Newcastle United

Rafael Benitez unhappy Newcastle United "looking to just survive every year"

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 05 August 2018

Benitez unhappy with Newcastle transfer activity

Rafael Benitez criticises Newcastle United's transfer activity by stating that he will not accept a club "looking to just survive every year".

Rafael Benitez has delivered another scathing criticism of Newcastle United's transfer activity by stating that he will not accept a club "looking to just survive every year".

The Magpies have signed Switzerland defender Fabian Schar and South Korea midfielder Ki Sung-yueng so far, while Japan striker Yoshinori Muto secured a £10m move to Tyneside during the week.

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has also signed a permanent contract following a successful six-month loan spell, but Benitez insists that more is needed to see the club progress.

"I am not happy we are looking to just survive every year," the Spaniard told ITV Sport. "When I decided to stay here it was because it was a project. Everyone knows that we can't compete against Man City or Man United, but we can do things in the right way.

"Maybe we can be more competitive or closer to European positions, maybe we could challenge for a trophy. That was the idea. Then we finished 10th and credit to our players, but I still thought we could do something more to be closer.

"It's not the case. We'll see where we are and we will fight until the last minute, trying to improve the squad first then after that the team."

Venezuela striker Salomon Rondon is believed to be nearing a move to Newcastle from relegated West Bromwich Albion.