Newcastle United: Will January have been enough for Rafa to extend?

After having voiced his frustration, and playing some politics, Rafa Benitez managed to get Mike Ashley to do for him what he has never done for any manager:

Break the Newcastle United transfer record.

It was a glorious day for everyone as Newcastle soared to victory over Manchester City as Newcastle finalized the details of their record signing, Miguel Almiron. Talk about a perfect day.

But those celebrations had to be short-lived, as we now eagerly await what has been on all of our minds, and that is whether or not Rafa Benitez will sign a new contract with Newcastle United after finishing up his current one in June.

Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

With some money having been spent, Rafa has given consideration as to where his future lies, but he has been consistently reluctant to speak out publicly about it. Some believe that Almiron will have been enough for him to sign at least a one year extension to see what he can do and give Ashley a chance to sell up once again.

It is that belief that I’m buying into. A single year will give Rafa a chance to utilize whatever talent comes in the summer and next year’s winter window and then give him his final decision come the end of next season. I don’t think he’d sign Almiron and run, but I don’t think it’s going to be easy for him to basically hand Ashley a one year Rafa pass, purely because Ashley doesn’t want that kind of deal. He wants Rafa for the long-term.

Newcastle is staying in the Premier League. The club has proven that with their recent victories over Manchester City and Huddersfield. There’s no reason to believe that the club will be in a seriously detrimental position come May.

But it’s up to Mike Ashley to provide the assurances needed. Rafa Benitez loves the club; he loves the fans. He’s the best manager this club has had since Sir Bobby Robson. He has the potential to provide days that Kevin Keegan can only dream of.

This past January transfer window has definitely provided more questions than answers. But the big one is:

Is it enough?