---
title: "Benitez refuses to rule out Newcastle return – is it possible?"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2019/08/29/benitez-refuses-to-rule-out-newcastle-return-is-it-possible/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Emery"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2019-08-29T20:00:12Z"
modified: "2019-08-29T20:00:12Z"
---

# Benitez refuses to rule out Newcastle return – is it possible?

Former Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has refused to rule out the possibility of returning to the club later in his career.

Benitez has said that he wants to come back to the Premier League, but is enjoying his time in China at the moment.

When asked during his [Q&A on The Athletic](https://theathletic.co.uk/1168187/2019/08/28/rafa-benitez-qa-liverpool-2005-v-2019-players-ive-coveted-celtic-rumours-a-premier-league-return/)whether he would return to Newcastle, he said this:

> I like to enjoy the challenge I have now in China. I am always committed whenever I accept a challenge, but I will not hide my feelings that in the future I would like to come back to the Premier League.

![Clive Rose/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readnewcastle.com/readnewcastle/sites/20/2019/08/1148634723.jpg)

### READ NEWCASTLE VERDICT

Is it possible for Benitez to return to Newcastle?

It all depends on one key aspect; is Mike Ashley still there? If he is, then it seems very unlikely. Given their [history](https://talksport.com/football/578771/mike-ashley-rafael-benitez-newcastle/)and Benitez’s departure over the summer, the prospect of them working together again seems slim.

Steve Bruce is also, of course, currently in the role and won his first Premier League match for the club last weekend – against Spurs. The former Sunderland boss could yet win over the support of the Newcastle faithful and enjoy a successful season, which could lead to calls for Benitez to return being silenced.