‘A miracle’ – Exclusive: Sky Journo makes huge Newcastle takeover claim, ex-pro reacts
Noel Whelan admits he would “love to see” Rafael Benitez return as manager if takeover takes place at Newcastle United.
The former Leeds and Middlesbrough striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, lauded the Spaniard for the job he did on Tyneside between 2016 and 2019, describing it as a “miracle”.
Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie claims it is “almost inevitable” that, if the consortium fronted by Amanda Staveley are successful in purchasing the Magpies, they would move to bring Benitez back to the club.
Downie told Sky Sports: “With a new consortium taking over, who have ambition, who give hope for the future, I do think that would be too difficult for Rafa Benitez to turn down and return.
“I’d be very surprised if Newcastle United and Amanda Staveley were to go for someone else other than their former manager Rafa Benitez.”
Whelan believes appointing Benitez again would be a smart decision from the prospective owners, highlighting how impressive he was during his first stint at St James’ Park.
“Look, he was fantastic, he’s been loved everywhere he’s been, he’s got massive, massive respect throughout the footballing community,” told Football Insider.
“He did an amazing job under intense circumstances while he was there, what he did was a miracle, at times, with absolutely no money.
“Someone like Rafa, who’s got the experience and the knowhow in the Premier League, he seems to have that player rapport that you want and somebody that just commands respect.
“I’d love to see him back at Newcastle, I’d love to see him back in the Premier League. I think most people would.”
In other Newcastle United news, Darren Bent has made a “massive” prediction about the Magpies’ takeover hopes.