Newcastle released details of all the agents they’ve engaged this year – part of a new FIFA requirement to do so – and Coloccini’s agent Marcelo Lombillo was listed as one of those. The contract extension agreed at the start of the season may be the single worst piece of business the club did over the summer – not because Coloccini’s form has been any worse than any of the club’s other underachievers but because of the message it sent out.
Coloccini has suffered a setback in his battle against an injury suffered in February and is unlikely to play again. If that is the case, the parting of ways that should have happened two years ago is likely to happen this summer. All parties – fans, the club and the player – would probably welcome that summer solution.
If Benitez continues over the summer, you can expect more of the same. Some of the bigger names at Newcastle will be under threat and a transformative close season could see the club changed beyond recognition in the coming months.
Looking at the squad and it’s failings, that is no bad thing.