Newcastle United Transfers: 8 Players Benitez Must Sign This Summer
2. Jetro Willems
Left-back has been a problem position for Newcastle since Jose Enrique left for Liverpool in 2011. Davide Santon played well in patches, but the Magpies have never been able to replace the Spaniard's consistency, and addressing this issue should be one of Rafa's biggest priorities.
Paul Dummett is perfectly average, but still looks like a startled infant when a skilled winger runs at him, Achraf Lazaar hasn't made a mark, and Massadio Haidara is totally out of the picture. This group just isn't good enough, and Benitez should return to one of the club's old transfer targets in Jetro Williams.
The PSV man came close to signing for NUFC in summer 2015, but the deal fell through, and the Dutch international remained in the Eredivisie. When fit, Willems is a guaranteed starter, but there are some concerns over his long-term fitness, as he has suffered a series of knee and hamstring injuries since 2015.
Regardless, Willems would represent a huge upgrade. As capable at the back as he is bombing forward, he's best known for his passing ability in the opposition half, but has also built a reputation as a calm, composed defender who rarely flusters under pressure.