Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez will finally be afforded funds this summer to sign a few quality players to get the Tyneside club up the Premier League table.
We reported recently how the Magpies want to strengthen their attack by signing either Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck, who will be out of contract in the summer, or former Manchester City and current Roma striker, Edin Dzeko.
Now, Benitez’s side have been linked with a move for Benfica wideman Rafa Silva, who has had a great season so far, scoring 19 goals for the Portuguese side.
The Portugal international moved to the club in 2016 for €16.4 million and will now cost over £20 million for any potential suitors.
Silva’s agent recently revealed that Newcastle United are one of the clubs that are interested in signing him in the summer transfer window. Silva’s release clause at Newcastle United is £51.3 million release clause.
What will Rafa Silva offer Newcastle United?
Silva is a versatile player who can play out wide on the left or right, and knows where the back of the net is, having been in deadly form in this season. His smart movement in and around the box helps him get into scoring positions and his calm and composed finishing has led to him scoring a bucketload of goals this season.
The right-footed attacker has a silky first touch and makes good runs into the box to get behind the opposition’s defence. Silva’s close control and deft touches often deceive opposition defenders.
The Portuguese attacker’s impressive performances for Braga led to a move to Benfica, where he has come into his own this season, helping the team to the top of the table. Silva’s 19-year-old teammate João Félix, has taken all the accolades this season, but the former has gone about quietly doing his job for the Portuguese side.
He would be a great signing for Newcastle United, if the Magpies have the funds to purchase him. Silva’s agent said that his client wants a better contract and negotiations are ongoing with Benfica.
With Kenedy set to return to parent club Chelsea after his loan, Rafa Benitez’s team will need more options out wide in the 2019-20 season.
