Summer transfer windows under Mike Ashley for Newcastle fans are always a torturous process. Will he invest even the bare minimum? Will Charnley dither again in securing targets? And now we have Rafa, will he stay if it looks like we still aren’t ‘doing things right’?
It may be a bit early and it could also be tension from the past, as the window is not really in full swing yet, but I worry already the warning signs are there that Newcastle will make the same mistakes this summer as they did last.
What new and familiar factors is Rafa working against to get what he needs this summer?
World Cup year – holds up deals?
We have he added pressure of it being the World Cup, which is great as a football fan but transfer wise, it unquestionably holds deals up. The top players will of course be playing at the tournament and often banned from National coaches from discussing deals with clubs until their national stint is over. Although Newcastle won’t be in for the likes of Griezmann – it sometimes takes the big deals like this to start and then filter down the rest of the market.
We also may be trying to sign players who play for some of the smaller World Cup participants and like us with Mitrovic, clubs rightly won’t sell until after the tournament in case they do well and suddenly see their value rocket.
Window set to shut earlier – more need for early business
Complicating this further, Premier League clubs voted in favour of shortening the summer transfer window – meaning the window will now shut early August, a few days before the new season kicks off. It means two weeks less of player trading and is good in many respects as it means starting with a settled squad. However, add the World Cup in the mix and Newcastle need to do business and quickly. Ashley won’t spend big money as we know, but that’s more reason to act fast on the targets we’ve been identifying for goodness knows how long. We can’t afford to keep standing still yet you get the feeling he constantly ignores Rafa’s wishes.
Feels like we’re having to sell before we buy…
Already the Ashley machine seems to pushing out our high wage bill and it seems shifting the likes of Mbemba, Sels and Mitrovic is needed before we can bring fresh faces in. This is frustrating.
With us having the full effects of TV money now after a full year back in the top flight, cash flow should not be holding Rafa back. We need to get rid of deadwood, that is clear – but it should not be driving our ability to recruit as much as it appears to be.
Slow to secure targets? (again)
Rafa always states he wants business done early, a clear warning after the slow antics of Charnley and co. that cost us some top targets last summer (Abraham and Cabellero by all accounts). Have we learnt from those mistakes? I’m not sure sure – especially after claims that Ashley won’t back Rafa until he agrees to a new deal, coupled with the fact Benitez won’t entertain any new contract until Ashley proves he’ll show ambition this summer. So, another impasse where we’re wasting time and frustrating Rafa?
In amongst all this, it is reported Benitez wants a minimum of four signings tied up quickly to get some real momentum this summer – and knowing the Ashley/Charnley combination, this seems so unlikely.
With Spain sacking their manager today, another clear threat has resented itself to us and the very real chance Rafa will leave and say enough is enough.
Let’s hope our owner finally learns from his mistakes and secures the long term of the biggest asset we have.
I see vuvezelas are still about, get right on my nerves them things. 👿
kimtoon(Quote)
*** what a player Ronaldo is Hat trick wow
kimtoon(Quote)
Boy Portugal will miss him when he retires
kimtoon(Quote)
Over to you, Messi. 😀
Stuart79(Quote)
Well that was brilliant
bravo Spain portugal
kimtoon(Quote)
what a change from defensive footy (Italy)
icedog(Quote)
It’s great to have a hatrick in the WC but I find the waxing lyrical of Ronaldo a bit ott. He’s a great omayer – no doubt. But ffs! He scored a pen, a shot that wouldn’t have reached the bag of the net if the keeper hadn’t cocked it up and yes a very good free kick. It really wasn’t a good hatrick at all!
Stuart79(Quote)
Itvwas a penalty that he made and despite his 2nd being a bit soft, he stull got himelf in position to make himself a chance. He was a menace the entire game and lets not forget the pressure of the match – worls cup against your neighbours and greatest foes! Bravo Ronaldo I say.
Shamrock(Quote)
He’s a prize *** but he carried Portugal tonight.
kimtoon(Quote)
That’s one way of looking at it, Sham…
Stuart79(Quote)
Domt get me wrong Stu, his finishes were not Gareth Bale’esque!
Great game of footy though. Last two were dire and the opener was a total mismatch.
The world cup is a bit like opening up the FA Cup first round with the likes of Man City being drawn against minnow lower league sides like Rushden & Diamond. Total waste of time! There is always the hope of an upset and it engages people from all over the world, so I get that. But I think the balance is wrong. As off par as Italy have been, I still dont understand a system that sees Italy fail to qualify but Saudi Arabia and Iran get through, both of shom Italy would decimate.
Shamrock(Quote)
Agree Sham on that, I have always liked Italy, I know they can be defensive but that is an art in itself in some ways. Great defenders are as nice to watch as great forwards , Midfielders and keepers.
Pirlo and Buffon, were two of my fav players ever.
kimtoon(Quote)
looking forward to France v Australia today but may have to miss the Argentina game as have to go out later.
Argentina should of been the 8pm slot not Croatia game.
kimtoon(Quote)
The problem is Sham that it’s the World Cup. We can’t have a system where it’s the World Cup but only for the better teams. Qualification is in continents. If Italy aren’t amongst the best on their continent then they shouldn’t be there. Same goes for Holland.
So, we either increase the number of teams to reduce the chances of the better European countries failing to qualify or we accept that if younarent good enough to qualify then it’s tough ****.
Stuart79(Quote)
They are increasing the number of teams to 48. The main problem for Italy is that they were drawn in Spain’s group. How did that happen?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
You have to laugh at the Chron and Ryder in particular. He puts up a story that says we’ve bid £20m for Townsend, writes a few hundred words and ends in saying there’s no way we’d bid £20m. A non story about nothing and Stuart believes journalists don’t make things up.
georgio(Quote)
Looks like a mismatch on paper for the Socceroos but you never know. France are young. There’s always one slipup and the other teams could cancel each other out.
Their wunderkind is not starting. They haven’t even mentioned him in the coverage over here so they couldn’t have got the message from the Aussie press. He is the youngest player at the WC, MBappe 2nd youngest. Hiddink is in the studio so should have some interesting things to say about the Aussies.
Just setting the scene for BrisV.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I don’t know why they would sell Townsend unless he wants to leave. NUFC and Leicester are sideways moves even though there was the miracle a couple of years ago. Leicester had the CL bump in money a couple of years ago but now all 3 teams probably earn the same money. He’s a London lad as well, right.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
According to reports in Italy we’ve outbid Sampdoria for the Croatian kid Majer from Zagreb. £10m sounds more like us.
georgio(Quote)
Watching France v Australia and hoping our Aussie brothers have the XXXX flowing and are enjoying the game ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Georgio – I’m not arsed how much he costs – or anyone coming in costs for that matter, providing Rafa gets the players he needs.
I’m not hung up on how much we spend or smashing transfer records or anything like that coz spending big doesn’t guarantee a good team at the end of it – look at Everton.
Providing Rafa gets what he needs, that’s all I’m bothered about.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aussies 12-1, France 1-5. Most lopsided odds of any group game. France look disjointed so far, 33 mins. I have nothing against France but they do miserable so well I would like the Aussies to get a result.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Was Townsend playing regular for Palace last season?, I wasn’t really paying much attention.
I guess it depends if he’s in Hodgsons plans. He had to kind of make do with the squad he had last season, but I suspect he’ll want to make changes and will need money.
Eric – you’re right mate, Palace are similar – similar in the sense they will have to generate most of their transfer kitty from player sales I’d imagine.
But Townsend was a real fans favourite at NUFC, he’s always gonna be in Zahas shadow at Palace.
All that said, I’d be very surprised to see him back at the toon like.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aussies have done well against France today.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
France playing like England do in tournaments – a bunch of individuals with no plan. Pogba their tournament Rooney?
Sharpy: Townsend played well for Palace. I watched quite a few games. He didn’t really have the stats but they like him because he is a hard worker. I would have him back but there’s a massive difference between making and enquiry and a bid. I just can’t see it. We should just buy Kenedy and let Chelsea have a 40 mil buyback if that gets the deal done.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – yeah I think any Kenedy contract will come with a release clause like – but I think he’d demand that himself nevermind Chelsea. But sod it, if it gets the lad in I’d set it at £30m.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Never a pen that like
kimtoon(Quote)
That was accidental and Griezman wouldn’t have got there anyway.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So the Ref doesn’t have to ask for VAR? The VAR people can tell the Ref to review it? I am not sure if I agree with that.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
jammy feckers
kimtoon(Quote)
How can they get this so wrong!!.
And as I type this – Karma delivers justice
Sharpy17(Quote)
Hand ball ha ha
Pen for Aus
kimtoon(Quote)
1.1 go on Aus 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
This VAR can’t work the way it’s just been used there like!!.
Play had resumed, the ref made his decision and the French didn’t even real appeal for the penalty!!.
In Rugby the ref requests the review. In tennis the players request the review and in cricket either can make the request. But in no sport that I know of is the review recommended from a remote location – how is that allowing the game to flow?!?!?!!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
I remember Gary Neville describing Paul Pogba as a player who strolls round the pitch as if his team is 3-0 up all the time. It’s one of the rare truisms he’s ever come out with. He has to be the most overrated player in World football in my opinion.
Sharpy17(Quote)
bollocks
kimtoon(Quote)
That wasn’t aimed at you Sharpy, that was in response to France going ahead.
kimtoon(Quote)
France have been gifted that like, never a pen for me.
kimtoon(Quote)
? man can take offence you know ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Mark DouglasVerified account @MsiDouglas · 14m14 minutes ago
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Excellent new #nufc ‘View from Dubai’ column from our regular contributor @geordiedentist. On takeovers, Staveley & more.
“Word reaches me that one genuinely interested party is still waiting for a price, let alone to get anywhere near stage PCP did..”
FFS, he said it’s £400m, why bother putting up such **** articles 🙄 nowt happening, never was.
kimtoon(Quote)
France have got some good players,pity they have a very poor coach
icedog(Quote)
Oh well. Brave resistance.
I told you VAR was ****. Clear and obvious error by the ref? It certainly wasn’t clear and obvious. And you watch, the decisions will favour the big teams.
And then a jammy goal.
Pity. A point would have been good. But we didn’t expect to get anything from France. The aim is to get something from the other games.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Pogba got lucky. He better buck his ideas up. And Sharpy, Pogba is not the most overrated player in the world. That would be Jack Wilshere.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Griezmann was never going to get to that ball. The Aussie sort of tried to foul him but missed and then clipped him totally accidentally with his other leg. And he had already touched the ball. I don’t see how that was a foul.
Unlucky for the Socceroos. What I did notice is that they have no pace in the team. Maybe this wunderkind will change that?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
This really is BS. The review period should be over as soon as the game restarts. And, isn’t it supposed to be clear evidence to overturn the Refs decision? That wasn’t clear evidence.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
They’re all pretty limited in many areas. They work hard, though.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Not good use of the technology there, felt for the Aussies … ? a draw would’ve been fair I think.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Oh God, Ryder linking us with Loftus Cheek again. I have to say this again – they have 3 flops that he has to compete with – Barkley, Bakayoko and Drinkwater. They sent him to Palace to see if he was PL quality and he proved he is. He will be in their squad or they will sell him. There is no way he will go out on loan again, or am I missing something and for the first time in his life Ryder is right?
If they link us with Golovin again I am going to scream !!!!!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Finnbogasun is more realistic. Chronic mentioned him as one of their 8 to watch and that might not be as pie in the sky as Rashford.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Bris – VAR isn’t ****, the use of it is the problem in this case & it’s just mad to think it will work this way.
I’m a big fan of Rugby, tennis & cricket & VAR has improved all of these sports.
It should only ever be used if the ref asks for a review initially to see how it goes – in the same way it is in Rugby.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well he just scored mate, so they could be on to something
Sharpy17(Quote)
Bris – they did yous proud today mate. 100% effort and commitment and that’s all you can ask of them really. Shame coz you seem to be lacking that 1 top quality player that can change games – a bit like Wales without Bale if that makes sense.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Only got 12 for Augsburg though. Could be another Luuk de Jong?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – dare I say I think Luuk De Jong was Pardewed mate. We brought him in and just didn’t play to his strengths at all. We used him as a through the middle target man, when everywhere else they put balls into the box from wide areas and the lad scored for fun.
I don’t know mate, you could be right, but he can’t be worse than Joselu ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Right the Anglo/Aussie friendship is set aside for now – I’ve got your lot on my doorstep for the cricket here.
Sharpy17(Quote)
This stuff that The Chronic were saying about clickbaiting and that it being their DUTY to pass on rumours is just a load of ****. If they just pass on nonsense with no critical comment then you have to wonder what is real and what is not. When they cry wolf so often it is not good journalism. I follow NUFC closely so have a feel for what is true and what is not. But what about the 10 year old who reads the paper a couple of times a week and is naïve enough not to know that Ryder and Waugh are just clickbaiting. They have a picture of Loftus Cheek on their website suggesting that we have a chance of a loan. In my opinion this is clickbating but if they have to put it up they should put on a disclaimer about us having very little chance of pulling it off.
I know they have to sell papers and garner clicks but it is no excuse. And that everybody else does it is no excuse either. Didn’t their mother tell them that if young Stevie down the road jumped off the Tyne Bridge …
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Olly passes along some of the more outlandish Chronic stories but at least most of the time he says they are mostly unfounded speculation.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
In my opinion, by doing this Olly is being a responsible writer whereas the hacks at the Chronic and redtops are not.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well that result was a surprise! Never would’ve predicted 1-1 for the Argies vs Iceland. Messi missing a pen… ?. Great result for Iceland though…
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Saw the first half of the Argentina game then had to go out, totally expected to come home and see a resounding win for Argentina ! Well done Iceland, makes our result against them somewhat easier to swallow.
Oh and Messi is human after all.
kimtoon(Quote)
So, Jorgenson, what are peeps thoughts.
Not impressed , rather have Mitro
kimtoon(Quote)
He was caught offside, hardly had a touch and his passing was poor, Joselu looks better on that showing.
kimtoon(Quote)
We get every Barca game over here. I don’t watch them all because a lot are almost walkovers but I have probably seen at least 50. That is the worst I have seen Messi play, ever. You have to credit Iceland as well.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Gayle is one player that I would hang on to until closer to the end of the transfer window. 10 million from Stoke is probably a fair offer but we have to see what a replacement will cost and I think we can squeeze 15 mil out of one of the relegated teams or Boro or Derby. Maybe even Leeds as he would suit Bielsa’s pressing game. There could easily be an auction for Dwight’s services.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
which scout gave Rafa the heads up on him,for me he wants the sack
icedog(Quote)
God knows but looks like we dodged a bullet there mate. Maybe doing him a disservice as first time I’ve watched him properly but thought he was poor today.
kimtoon(Quote)
Wouldn’t be letting any forward go without incoming first if I was Rafa, Jabba can’t be trusted .
kimtoon(Quote)
Out for lunch tomorrow so gonna miss watching Mitro 👿
kimtoon(Quote)
so you want to keep Joselu lol 😆
icedog(Quote)
Please Wilshere go to West Ham or Everton. He still has some technical ability but he is sooooo slow. He would drag them down and give us a better chance of upper mid-table. Plus, the West Ham fans would see it as a coup until they see him week in, week out and realise that for the past 5 years it has all been hype.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I will make an exception for him mate, then again he actually looked better than that Danish lad did today.
kimtoon(Quote)
I will make an England prediction that probably a lot of others have made. This Phil Foden kid at Man City will be the next big thing. I have watched a few games when he has made cameos and he has not looked out of place among their superstars.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
hes a bloody joke mate i wouldnt take him on a free and a sick note when “he”choses as well,got him sussed
icedog(Quote)
I forgot to make my point about Phil Foden and that is that this is the kid we should loan if Pep will let us have him. He ghosts past people like Beardsley used to.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Talk that Palace are looking to sign Antonio from WH – that move could certainly see Townsend considering a move I reckon?!
Sharpy17(Quote)