Report: Some Newcastle players may want Rafa Benitez reunion at Everton

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According to the Athletic, some Newcastle United players may fancy a reunion with Rafa Benitez at Everton.

The Spaniard has officially been confirmed as Everton’s new manager, replacing Carlo Ancelotti.

It was a prolonged saga that looked like it wouldn’t end the way it was planned, but Benitez can officially get to work on his new job at Goodison Park.

He has a big task on his hands, winning over a fanbase who have rebelled against his appointment.

While talks were still ongoing, there were banners hung up outside of Goodison Park and near Benitez’s family home which went too far.

But regardless, the 61-year-old is back in the Premier League. And to the disappointment of Toon fans, it’s as Everton manager, not Newcastle.

This is Benitez’s first job in England since leaving the Magpies in 2019, having spent time in the Chinese Super League with Dalian Yifang.

But while some Everton fans are unhappy with his arrival, they are getting a top quality manager who can bring success to Merseyside…only this time it’ll be for the Blue side, not the Red.

Will Rafa Benitez target any of his former Newcastle United players?

It won’t be long before we see names linked with a move to Everton now they have a new manager.

But it will be interesting to see whether or not any of Benitez’s former Magpies will be targeted.

According to the Athletic, there is a belief that some players might be interested in reuniting with Benitez if the opportunity arises.

It’s hard to judge which Toon players might be keen on moving to Everton.

Jamaal Lascelles could be a possibility, having built up a great relationship with Benitez. It was Benitez who gave him his chance at Newcastle, and made him captain in 2016.

Perhaps Miguel Almiron could be keen too, having only enjoyed half a season under Benitez before his 2019 departure.

Of course, this is all speculation. It remains unclear which players might be keen. We don’t know if Benitez will be interested in signing any of his former players either.

But if he does, it could be bad news for Newcastle United.