Rafa Benitez Rumours: Latest News, Speculation on Newcastle United Manager

Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez's future at the club is uncertain after his side were relegated to the Championship. 

Continue for updates.

---

Benitez Comments on Future with Newcastle

Sunday, May 15

"My heart is telling me yes; it is a great opportunity, city and club," Benitez said after Newcastle's 5-1 win over Tottenham on Sunday, per BBC Sport. "But my brain is saying to analyse what is going on."

---

Benitez Linked with Former Rivals Everton

Tuesday, May 3

According to Craig Hope for the Daily Mail, the Toffees “could move for Benitez if Newcastle lose their relegation battle.”

Benitez would be a fascinating appointment, considering his past as a manager. 

The Spaniard spent six years across Stanley Park at Everton’s rivals, Liverpool, where he won the 2005 UEFA Champions League in dramatic fashion against AC Milan.

Benitez famously labelled the Toffees as a “smaller team” back in 2007 when in charge at Anfield, per BBC Sport.

“He could be willing to talk to Everton, especially as he is living back at his family home on the Wirral [Merseyside] after being sacked by Real Madrid in January,” Hope added. However, he also noted there has yet to be any contact between the two parties.

As a manager, it’d be easy to see the value in Benitez moving to Everton. After all, the coach is well-versed in the Premier League, is settled in the area and renowned for winning trophies, something the Toffees have not done since 1995. He’d also organise a defence that was inconsistent under Roberto Martinez, who left the club on May 12.

The Spaniard would be walking a tightrope if he were appointed at Goodison Park, though. If things went well, his previous allegiances would be quickly forgotten, but the patience a new manager needs would be reduced because of his association with the Reds.