A report in the Times today suggests Rafa Benitez is to be offered a staggering £12 million a year to become the new manager at Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang.
It is an eye-watering salary, and would have most people reaching for their pen and asking where to sign – but not Rafa.
There are a number of reasons why him taking this job just does not add up.
As long ago as 2016, the reporters who speak to Benitez day in, day out, said that salary was not the motivating factor for the Spaniard.
Although not likely to be £12m, the deal he would be offered at Newcastle will not be a miniscule one. It is hard to see that he would move to a league that – if we’re being honest – is sub-standard in comparison to those in Europe, just because of a huge wage package.
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But perhaps more influential in his decision to turn it down, would be his preference to work in England, to stay close to his family.
A move to China seems unlikely for family man Benitez
It seems far-fetched to think someone who spurned previous big money offers for logistical reasons, would suddenly do a u-turn and move virtually half-way around the world to work.
The offer is probably genuine – why wouldn’t it be? Every club would want a Rafa Benitez in their dugout.
But it just seems illogical to think that he would seriously consider it.
The best way to dismiss these unwanted distractions and rumours, of course, is to simply get an agreement finalised at Newcastle, and then we can all breathe out, and move on to the important job in hand.