After collecting £25million for want away Dutch international Giorginio Wijnaldum already this transfer window, if Newcastle United are to let anymore of their prized players go this season, they’re clearly going to do it with a fight.
Last seasons dramatic relegation from the Premier League has left the Magpies vulnerable to the loss of much of their talent, one such member in this bracket, Moussa Sissoko, has already been earmarked as the next player to pack up for pastures new.
Following a stellar performance during this summers Euro’s, Sissoko has already been unashamedly making kissy faces in the direction of the countries elite clubs. However, despite an average club season, the French international’s current value is busy making his admirers wince.
With Mike Ashley slapping on a £35million transfer fee, current club manager Rafa Benitez remained has remained staunch on the matter.
“You know we don’t talk about our business.
Rafa commented when pushed on the matter, post his side’s 4-0 friendly win over Sporting Lokeren on Saturday.
“But that is football and we have a good squad and a lot of expectations. We cannot control that.
“We still have to keep doing our job.
“If someone comes with a right offer, we have to listen. But we don’t have to sell.”
“But we don’t have to sell. We will try to keep a strong squad. Some players, maybe, will be waiting for a big offer (from) a top side in the Premier League or in Europe, but if they have to stay, they have to stay. That’s it.
“They will be disappointed, but we are disappointed because we are in the Championship.”
Having garnished somewhat of a reputation for holding on to players that clearly see the a club as a stepping stone to something bigger and better, it’s admirable that Rafa is choosing to hold all the cards.
Fact is that if that the club receive anything above £30m, they’d be mad to turn it down.