With eight games left and a six point over the play-off places, barring a monumental slip-up Newcastle will secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The ‘Rafalution’ is taking shape and this season was all about promotion by any means necessary and it seems like the Spaniard is going to achieve his goals.
Adding to the squad is an undeniable must in the summer if the club want to stand any real chance to not only staying in the Premier League but building a side capable of competing in the top half – the infrastructure at the club is ready to do so.
Here’s how Newcastle could line-up if Benitez lands all his top targets.
Tim Krul
Benitez has chopped and changed his ‘keepers this season, with Tim Krul out on loan.
Krul has the most PL experience and provided the Toon don’t invest again after Mats Selz has failed to impress, he’s the best choice.
DeAndre Yedlin
Yedlin is the Toon’s best option at right back, but the club really should look to invest in another.
Jamaal Lascelles
The club captain has really cemented himself has a regular in the side over the last 12 months and deserves to lead the side in the Premier League.
Michael Keane
Benitez is looking at Keane and other centre-backs to add to his squad an the newly capped England man would be a great addition.
Paul Dummett
Benitez doesn’t seem to trust Lazaar at left-back to Dummett will continue in the position,
Jonjo Shelvey
Shelvey is a Premier League calibre player and his ball-playing ability from deep with again flourish at the top level.
Leander Dendoncker
Dendoncker is one of several Belgian-based talents the club are scouting and the combative central midfielder would be an ideal partner to Shelvey who needs a physical team-mate alongside him.
Matt Ritchie
Ritchie has been sublime this season for Newcastle and his quality from dead balls and from wide will be huge.
Tom Cairney
Cairney has been brilliant for Fulham this season and Benitez remains keen on signing him.
Newcastle need a creative attacking midfielder to add to their ranks and Cairney has the potential to be a very good player.
Andros Townsend
Townsend came close to returning to Newcastle in January and it’s believed there’s mutual interest in a summer deal.
Newcastle need wingers and Townsend is a proven commodity in the Premier League.
Andre Gray
Gray has been a solid performer for Burnley and remains one of Benitez’s top targets.
A Premier League calibre striker is a must in the summer and Gray certainly is that.
SUB: Karl Darlow
Has every chance to be the No.1 next season.
SUB: Chancel Mbemba
Frozen out a bit by Benitez and needs to improve if he wants to work his way back into the team.
SUB: Achraf Lazaar
Taken a lot of time to adjust to English football and hopefully we see more of him next season.
SUB: Isaac Hayden
Has impressed for Newcastle when not injured.
SUB: Andre Carillo
Carrillo is a player Newcastle are keeping tabs on over a summer move and the club are in need of a winger or two.
SUB: Ayoze Perez
Whether he’s a striker or an attacking midfielder, Perez hasn’t done enough to nail down a place in the starting XI.
SUB: Aleksander Mitrovic
Mitrovic hasn’t scored goals regularly but he offers a different option in attack.