Spain’s El Confidencial has a big article on Rafael Benitez today, and what is described as a ‘shackle-clause’ at Newcastle United.
It’s claimed that Spain’s national team have been interested in Benitez, as one of the leading candidates before Luis Enrique was appointed, but they were scared off by the contract he has at Newcastle.
Luis Rubiales contacted Benitez when he decided to dispense with Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the World Cup. It’s claimed the timing and the need to have talks with Newcastle prevented Benitez from taking the job and fulfilling two dreams in one, to manage Spain and to do so at a World Cup.
After Spain’s exit, Benitez once again became a target, but it was felt that his £6m release clause at Newcastle is simply too high.
El Confidencial say that’s also been the case for others too. West Ham, Arsenal and an unnamed third Premier League team have all backed away because of the £6m.
It’s stated that everything indicates Benitez will be ‘forced’ to stay at Newcastle, despite being frustrated with the club’s transfer business. The Spaniard ‘cannot give much more of himself with a lack of material and economic means’.
