Lee Charnley has thanked Rafa Benitez following the arrival of Miguel Almiron.
Newcastle announced earlier that Almiron has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with the club, for a reported club record fee of £21million.
The Paraguayan is Newcastle’s second signing of the day following the loan arrival of Antonio Barreca. However, Benitez has had to wait to get what he wanted. The Spaniard has been very frustrated when speaking to the press, leading to worries he would leave the club.
But he has finally secured one of his main targets, and managing director Charnley has spoke about the deal.
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Charnley comments on Almiron arrival
“I’m delighted to bring Miguel to the club,” Charnley told the club’s official website.
“He is a player who Rafa has wanted for a year and I appreciate he has had to wait longer than he would have liked.
“I would like to thank Rafa for his patience in waiting for a player he has coveted for so long.”
It’s interesting that Charnley went out of his way to thank the gaffer. He didn’t necessarily have to, he could easily have just talked up Almiron and left it at that.
But he acknowledged that Benitez was made to wait, appreciating his frustrations. Is Charnley trying to build bridges with Benitez?
This transfer could be a significant moment in the future of our manager. It may be the investment that Benitez needs to sign on the dotted line, or it could be too little too late.
Only time will tell.