He wouldn’t have been free and I bet from the Chairman’s point of view, a much bigger risk.
He has invested huge sums and is about to fund a half a billion pound stadium.
Giving the job to a largely untried rookie at a time when the club is under intense pressure from PL financial rules was never going to happen.
We have to reduce the playing staff and balance the books. We can’t afford transfer fees, let alone paying manager compensation.
Unfortunately that’s the legacy of our profligate transfers.
Benitez had far more experience than Potter and didn’t require compensation payments. The club were always going to pick someone who was out of contract. It was obvious from the first minute.
All speculation again on your part. Beneitez is a universally polarising appointment. If he doesnt have a good season, particularly the first 5 games, it'll be an albatross around Moshiri's neck.