Rafa Benitez reveals his transfer philosophy at Newcastle, why he signed experienced players

Do you think Newcastle signed good players during the last transfer window? Rafa Benitez admits he signed experienced players during the summer transfer window who he believed could “help” the rest of the Newcastle United squad.

The Magpies manager recruited Salomon Rondon, Federico Fernandez and Ki Sung-yueng before the start of the season – and all three made a telling contribution during United’s 2-1 victory over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.

Newcastle’s hierarchy still hold an over-arching blueprint of signing players under the age of 26, but Benitez pushed for additional Premier League experience – and spent the entire summer chasing Rondon.

Not only did Rondon excel and score a match-winning brace against Bournemouth, Fernandez was tremendous in defence, while Ki controlled the game in midfield.

But, although Benitez was pleased with how the trio of 29-year-old’s performed against the Cherries, he insists there is still plenty of room for them to improve.

“I don’t want to say that, because when you sign people, they are not judged on one game,” Benitez replied when asked if the Bournemouth victory justified his decision to recruit Rondon and Fernandez.

“They are playing well. You are trying to sign players who, in your opinion, will be good for the team. They have experience of the Premier League and they can help the players around them.

“It is good for everyone who was involved in the process. We had a clear idea of what we wanted and what we needed. This is confirmation they can give us something.

“They are doing what we expected, but I still think there are areas they can improve.”

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The cynics among supporters are concerned that, if United enjoy an encouraging run of form between now and the new year, owner Mike Ashley is less likely to free up funds during the January transfer window.

Benitez, however, is keen for Newcastle to keep winning – and then will tackle the mid-season trading period once it comes around.

“It’s a nice problem to have,” Benitez replied when asked if he feared Newcastle would have less money to spend if they keep winning, following back-to-back victories over Watford and Bournemouth.

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