Newcastle have spent big in the transfer window and look like a Premier League side in the making
Rafael Benitez cut a disconsolate figure after Newcastle United lost opening Championship matches against Fulham and Huddersfield, although the Magpies have subsequently bounced back with three straight wins.
It means that the Tyneside club remain strong favourites to win the Championship title and make a speedy return to the Premier League, with Benitez having massively reshaped his squad during the summer.
True enough, the Spaniard has had to wave goodbye to Gigi Wijnaldum, Moussa Sissoko and Andros Townsend, although the recruitment has more than compensated considering that Dwight Gayle, Grant Hanley, Ciaran Clark, Matz Sels, Matt Ritchie and Mohamed Diame all arrived at St James’ Park.
The arrival of Ritchie and Diame was a particularly big statement. After all, many players seek to play in the Premier League, although these players left the first team of Bournemouth and Hull respectively to be part of the “Rafa Revolution”.
Ritchie was seemingly part of Eddie Howe’s plans at the Vitality Stadium although the lure of a big money deal entranced him from the south of the country to the very north. Similarly, Diame’s head was turned swiftly after he scored that excellent goal in the play-off final to help the Tigers back to the big time.
Bet365 go 13/8 that Newcastle win the title this season, with William Hill giving them even more respect with their quote of 11/8. Both these bookmakers offer 8/15 about the Magpies landing promotion although forthcoming trips to Derby and QPR will illustrate whether they really are the best team in the division.
The ingredients are certainly there, with Benitez easily the most successful manager in the Championship, boasting a CV which has seen him win silverware with Valencia, Liverpool and Chelsea. He’s also been the coach of Internazionale and Real Madrid, being regarded as one of the best in Europe.
The spending clout is far stronger than virtually any other Championship team, even if Aston Villa have also flexed their muscle in the transfer window to bring the likes of Ross McCormack and Jonathan Kodjia. Register a new account with online betting site Bet365 and earn a 100% matched deposit bonus from them and enjoy great features there like 0-0 bore draw insurance and partial cash-out options.
