Despite another day full of fanciful transfer links, the Chronicle have confirmed that Newcastle are STILL yet to bid for a single player this summer – with Lee Ryder admitting that the club are ‘not close to making a permanent signing’ as things stand.
It’s been reported recently that Rafa has been given a budget of around £40m (plus money from player sales), however the vast majority of the summer so far (aside from Dubravka’s arrival) has seen players linked with moves away, with little genuine activity with regards to incomings.
Elsewhere, there’s now signs that our Premier League rivals are picking up the pace and getting deals done. June is usually a slow month for transfers (and the market’s slowed even further by the World Cup), but potential rivals Wolves, West Ham and Huddersfield have all been making waves in the last few days – a sign that we need to get our skates on or risk being left behind yet again.
Wolves have signed Portugal’s number one stopper Rui Patricio. He may have arrived on a ‘free’ after cancelling his contract with Sporting, but there’ll have been big competition for his signature, and to sign a player of his pedigree is a real sign of their intentions (and spending power!).
Then to West Ham. Not only have they just announced the signing of highly rated French defender Issa Diop for a club record £22m fee, they look likely to break that record again with a £25m move for Lazio star Felipe Anderson.
They now have a top manager in Pellegrini, just as we do with Rafa, but there’s only one club between the two showing some sort of ambition. It may still go badly wrong at West Ham given the unpredictable nature of their owners, but Rafa could only dream of being given the license to spend this sort of money on these sort of players. Instead we’re yet to make a single bid for a player and the words ‘bargain basement’ are being used already.
Then finally, little old Huddersfield. I say ‘little old’ but they’re also threatening to leave us behind in the market the way they/we are going. They’ve recently confirmed the signing of Dutch international defender Terence Kongolo for an alleged £18m.
Like Kenedy, he arrived on loan in January and impressed, but they appear to have acted much quicker than us in a bid to get their man. Yes Kenedy is a difficult deal to do given interest from elsewhere and the uncertainty at Stamford Bridge, but do you think we’d have signed the Brazilian by now if we’d been told ‘he’s yours for £18m’ after the final day of the season? History suggests no.
We move too slowly, we’re reluctant to pay the going rates and we’re in serious danger of not only losing ground on our Premier League rivals, but Rafa himself.
Let’s hope things get better from here on in. There’s plenty time left to do business, but if reports are true that Rafa wanted ‘four or five’ in by the start of pre-season (less than two weeks time), then it looks like being another frustrating summer for Benitez.
If Ashley really is keen to see him commit to a new long-term contract, he’s got a funny way of showing it.
Have to say as well, I didn’t expect Kieran Trippier to be our stand out player.
He’s created 7 chances so far – as many as the likes of Courtinho, Neymar, Muller and Kimmich.
There’s only De Bruyne who’s created more.
Got to give Southgate credit for that one. I’m not sure many would have kicked up much of a stink if he hadn’t even made the squad.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Is Mitro really in a position to dictate where he goes? If Palace outbid Fulham I think he will have no choice. You do not play Russian roulette with the Fatman. Anyway, he certainly cannot dictate the fee and whatever the papers say Fulham have deep pockets. They are owned by the guy who wants to buy Wembley and owns the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Seems like six and two threes to me. Where is Spain in the mix?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
With a release clause the selling team can demand the money upfront/no installments. It is why PSG are running into Financial Fair Play after buying Neymar and why our deal for Lejeune was held up. At least the money would go directly into a transfer kitty for a replacement.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – that’s what I was thinking, also, how do you face Colombia regardless of finishing 1st or 2nd.
I think he has to go with what he feels is most important based on what he has – ie if he has players carrying knocks, or resting his better players for the knock out stages.
The reality is that if he doesn’t win it, there is always going to be a section of the media that will write – he should have played his best team, or he should have rested players.
Sharpy17(Quote)
These release clauses have gone from being so outrageously stupid that no club would pay it to an accepted price. Remember when they were put in to discourage teams poaching players? Now it like 100 million, OK, there you go. Bein Sports reported yesterday that Liverpool are preparing a 210 million bid for Asensio. That is insane if it is true.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: and why isn’t Croatia in the picture? They have probably looked the best team.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Plenty talk about players leaving. Not much about incomings…
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – there’s plenty, it just either gets dismissed as ‘not under Ashley’, or there’s us shopping in the ‘bargain basket’ again ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric – I think they are now largely used by better players going to smaller clubs to guarantee first team football – but if a bigger club then come in, or that smaller club is relegated, they have an out.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Mexico as well mate. I don’t know, don’t blame me, it’s what SSN put up ??♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
Rooney to be announced at DC United tonight. I predict he will be the biggest bust in MLS history and will not see out his contract.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
A rugby tackle in the wall of the Russian and VAR didn’t spot it.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Toon want 30 mil now for Mitro which in todays market i think its fair imo
icedog(Quote)
Agree and actually probably worth more when you consider the **** that was Sissoko went for £30m and Andy carroll for£ 32m ,years ago. Factor in that it would be to a rival and I would **** well make them pay.
kimtoon(Quote)
Well Russia back down to earth with a bump then.
kimtoon(Quote)
I agree re Mitro but it’s also worth bearing in mind that Rafa can only spend the money generated – and Fulham will know that too. The longer we **** about with this the less time we have to spend.
Best case is there is another club interested and we can push it through that way
Sharpy17(Quote)
Not football related, sorry, but anyone seen the movie I Daniel Blake?… I just watched it tonight. It’s set in Newcastle… wow. Powerful movie… I’d recommend it…
Back to footy, I’m watching Portugal vs Iran… Iranians looking good actually…
Dubai Toon(Quote)
ime watching the spain game,they are very very lucky to be drawing 1-1
icedog(Quote)
now losing 2-1
icedog(Quote)
Firstly how on earth are Spain not down to ten men? VAR has been pretty good but dear me – what’s it for if it’s not for things like Pique’s two footed tackle?
Secondly, how has Ronaldo not been sent off? If it’s a foul it’s a red ffs! If that’s an Iran player he’s off.
Thirdly, I really wouldn’t be fussed playing this Spain side.
Stuart79(Quote)
and a hand ball
icedog(Quote)
shame 2-2
icedog(Quote)
Terrible VAR decision and delays in Portugal game
Shamrock(Quote)
Well that Portugal game was stop start and full of controversy , VAR having a field day .
Ronny gobbing off and protesting after his yellow, could easily of gotten a second yellow. Lucky boy and his pen was pants too.
kimtoon(Quote)
Oh my, this is beautiful, true friendship 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM2HKW7UiRE
Colombian man helps friend who is blind and deaf experience the WC
kimtoon(Quote)
Guardian reporting RLC MIGHT be loaned because he is pushing so hard for 1st team action and they may buy John Michel Seri from Nice. I think this is mad because of their lack of midfielders and another Frenchman from the South of France (Bakayoko) was a complete bust last year. RLC takes a break after WC so they are saying it might not be decided until the end of August so that means an article a day from the Chronic. I am giving up moaning about it now because I know they will just hit rinse and repeat. Chronic says we are 28-1 to sign him so that sort of justifies what I said and does not justify a clickbait article a day.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We are 25-1 to sign Jermaine Defoe. Now there’s a non-story from The Chronic.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Arzani time? Trump is President so anything can happen. Will France and Denmark play for a draw? And Argentina has the look of England in South Africa but will probably go through just like England did. They already complained when Messi picked the team and tactics and now it seems like it is Mascerano’s turn.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Is VAR changing the game? There have now been more penalties than in the whole of the last world cup. And they don’t even get them right after many revues. We already knew this. They will have TV pundit panels who view incidents 5 times and 1 will say it is a penalty and another that it isn’t.
A lot of times a game is decided by 1 goal so if there is a 50% increase in penalties that will change the whole dynamic of the game. Maybe defenders will adapt and not give away silly fouls but I doubt it. I wonder how it worked out in Germany or Qz? I know BrisV had some comments but I have forgotten what he said.
I would keep it for offsides though. That is clearcut, you could even set up a simple computer programme to make the decision definitively like they do for a ball crossing the goaline.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
This Moreno release clause is really lose/lose for NUFC. I would sell him now because we need competition for Diame who we had for 2 years and had 18 months of Bad Mo and 6 months of good Mo. Admittedly in different positions.
If Merino stays and plays well for us then bigger clubs will come in in January or the summer and activate his release clause seeing him as a bargain.
If he stays and Rafa doesn’t play him much or he plays badly then he will be moping around.
Either way, we have a player who is no long term use to us and we should get someone in that will commit. Whoever negotiated this low release clause didn’t look at the long term ramifications. It is like Demba Ba deja vu. But I suppose we had no choice, or did we? Is Charnley, the lowest paid executive in the PL, up to it? He seems to be a good accountant and gets paid accordingly for that but there is much more to being a Chief Executive than the books.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Merino leaving is a huge blow. Not only was he a good young player who will be worth a lot more than that in the future he’s yet another player we have to replace.
Has anybody any confidence this transfer window won’t be yet another complete waste of time?
Stuart79(Quote)
In short Stu, No.
Shamrock(Quote)
Mixed feelings about Merino. Played really well for a couple of months, had a bad back then sulked to the end of the season. Grenier available for £2.5m!
georgio(Quote)
Eric – the trouble with these super rich clubs is that there is an expectation of at least one marquee signing every window – there fans have come to expect it. If they don’t then the club has lost ambition.
It’s what is stifling the development of youth players and has been having an impact of young English players in particular.
Can you imagine if Chelsea decided not to spend this window but instead said, we are going to develop RLC, Abraham and Kenedy? There would be hell on from their fans.
But instead, these players look and think there is no route to the first team for me here – who’s done it?!
But if I leave, like Lukaku, De Bryune and the rest, I could make a career.
Ake went to B’mth and even Solanke saw more opportunity at Liverpool – and had some game time there – more than he’d have at Chelsea. So why wouldn’t RLC, Abraham or Kenedy not push for a move.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I can’t say I’m that arsed about Merino personally. He never really done enough to convince me he would come good – same with Hayden.
If he didn’t want to stay and fight for his place, then off he goes.
Georgio – yeah, I would definitely take Grenier, and £2.5m is a steal. I suspect we may miss out coz WH or someone like that will offer huge wages. But Grenier would be a top player to get in.
Stu – there’s a long way to go in the window and I remain optimistic.
I do think external factors play a part – such as us wanting to sign Chelsea players and their focus being on recruiting a new manager.
That’s not the only thing of course, only an example.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric – I think VAR is being applied so poorly, it’s not only changing the game, it’s taking over.
I always wanted to see it brought into football, based on how successful it’s been used in Rugby and tennis – but not how it’s being used in this WC.
I really don’t think they could have got it more wrong if they tried.
Sharpy17(Quote)
at the end of the day this VAR is still down to the poeple that looking at it still down to human error what one man thinks its a foul or whatever another thinks its not,just look at the pundits on tv one thinks its a pen the other pundit thinks no way is it a pen so its just the same as VAR its very good for offsides as to the rest,but for pens or fouls ime not sure,back to human error
icedog(Quote)
Clément Grenier “was” a real top player toon bid 12 mil for him four or five yrs ago was the best m/f in France at the time,now after two really bad injurys ime not sure,i smell a rat now hes for sale at 2,5 mill
icedog(Quote)
https://readnewcastle.com/2018/06/26/benitez-holds-talks-to-sign-in-demand-midfielder/
sorry should put this before last comment
icedog(Quote)
Ice – I know what you mean. But I think Grenier can still pass a ball, he’s great on set pieces and would still be a threat. For me he would be a good back up for Shelvey if he’s injured or suspended.
For £2.5m I don’t think we can be robbed at that. If we can get shot of Colback for £3m – I’d take that swap even if Grenier came with only 1 leg ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: it is exacerbated by the fact that some of the Refs don’t seem to know the rules. Ronaldo elbowed that player in the face yesterday and that is a straight red and not a yellow.
They have a FIFA rules official over here on the TV coverage so he explained the bit about it being a red card to the audience. He said, if it is deemed a foul to the head it is a red, it is in the rule book.
Of course, suspending a superstar for the knockout game could have something to do with it. If that was say, Phil Jones, he would have been off.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I have Messi down as my top scorer so he better get a hattrick today. Still don’t think this Argentina will go further than the quarters, if they even get out of the group.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Ice – I agree, and the difficulty will always come because some players are talented at buying a foul – as in, rather than take the shot, they will wait for any contact from a defender and go down in the box – was there contact, yes – was it enough to make them go down – it will always be subjective and will split decisions.
What I don’t like about how it’s being used now is that it is essentially overruling the ref. Someone remotely is in the refs ear influencing him.
It should be that the ref controls the game as he always did – but it is an option should he decide he wants to refer to it – as they do in Rugby.
They could even develop it that each captain gets a review once a game, or once a half – should they want it.
But as it is just now, VAR is too involved.
Even the linesmen have been told not to flag an offside and VAR can take a look if theres any doubt – then why have linesmen?.
I’m absolutely in favour of VAR, but they are getting it wrong IMO.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Get ready for the supposed 40 million spend to become 20 million actual. We know Ashley considers wages in his accounting and so do all clubs. That headline of 40 will not be the actual spend because of this. If Kenedy costs 20 million then that will be that part of the budget used up because Ashley will look at it as a pure increase in the wage bill.
Now, on the sales front we probably will be able to spend the headline number as long as we are offsetting the outgoing wages with incoming wages. The outgoing wages have already been budgeted for so it really shouldn’t be double counted for incomings. I hope that makes sense.
So if we sell players for 40 million we should in theory be able to buy players for 40 million.
My guess is that we will have this plus the 20 million I mentioned above for a total of about 60 million. Of course that assumes we get Mitro, MBemba, Colback, Sels and a few others off the books, including probably Merino.
There will be some wailing and gnashing of teeth if this happens but just be prepared for it.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I have absolutely no doubt that not sending Ronaldo off had nothing to do with VAR or a misunderstanding of rules.
I believe it was a form of corruption. You can’t send Ronaldo off, you can’t be the ref that ruins his WC, the tournament needs the best players in it and you ban Ronny for 3 games and it’s Putin you’ll answer to, nevermind FIFA.
I think there is probably only Ronny and Neymar who are untouchables. They would literally have to Cantona someone.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: it is also getting a bit farcical with the players now miming the square with their hands whenever they are tackled to try to force the Refs hand. Even the manager Queroz did that yesterday. We know what drama queens these footballers are so this should be nipped in the bud with a few yellow cards. It is just like the imaginary yellow card the players wave. That should be an automatic card to the player doing it. Messi does it all of the time and I think he is one of the fairest players out there but this sends him down a notch in my opinion. I know he cares a lot about my opinion 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well, Howard Webb didn’t send off Nigel De Jong for a kung fu kick in a World Cup final !!! VAR could have helped there.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I agree with Stuart Pierce that Ronaldo’s red was not a red. He is coming from behind using his arm as leverage to get past the player. If too strong a yellow. For a red there has to be intent. Normally intent is with the arm moving backwards so as to hit the player in the face. Different circumstances entirely.
PremAndUp(Quote)
😆 😆 😆 love it
icedog(Quote)
See that the deadline for ST renewals is coming up soon. Expect a signing.
PremAndUp(Quote)
There’s only about 5 weeks and there’s an awful lot to do!
I’m fussed about Merino leaving because it means the the incompetents at our club have yet another player to replace. At this minute we’re struggling to to buy anyone!
Also if we’re relying on Chelsea and their new manager to dictate our transfer policy then we’re completely knackered!
Stuart79(Quote)
I can only assume that FIFA have given refs and VAR operators new instructions before WC . They gave a pen for ball to hand (iran v Portugal )rather than hand to ball , so am assuming if the ball touches the arm then it’s a pen no matter the intent.
Also wrestling forwards to the floor in the box is largely going unpunished this WC, in the PL that would always be a pen.
Ronny should of been sent off last night if you follow the letter of the law in so far as the rules are written. He elbowed the lad clear as day. Again a sending off in the PL, something is a foot when that goes unpunished imo.
kimtoon(Quote)
Sharpy:
And apart from offside, why even bother with a remote VAR crew? THey have the screens on the side of the pitch so the Ref could make the decision he wants to take a closer look. It is not much different to asking the linesman who may have had a better view.
Maybe for an off-the-ball incident like an elbow or sly kick but they already have retrospective punishment for that. Ask Mitro.
They just have not thought this through and it is a bit of a joke at the minute.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stand by for links to Danny Ings now he has decided to leave Liverpool.
kimtoon(Quote)
Eric – that’s why I’d give each time 1 review – to stop them making that gesture – it wouldn’t like but you’d hope so. It has in tennis, they won’t question a call unless they are sure as they don’t want to waste their reviews.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Stu – he’s only just signed this season, so has plenty of time to run on his contract. If he’s leaving it’s coz Rafa isn’t arsed about keeping him – surely you’re not questioning that?!
Sharpy17(Quote)
I agree that there wasn’t enough intent. But the rules are that if the Ref assesses it as a foul it has to be no card or a red. It cannot be a yellow, there is no grey area.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
beg to differ Prem, if your arm/elbow make contact with an opponents face/head the law says red. He was a lucky boy imo.
kimtoon(Quote)
Anyway, he deserves a red for being an irritating **** 😉 is that allowed?
kimtoon(Quote)
He was also having a go at the ref after his card and was lucky not to get a second yellow.
kimtoon(Quote)
Prem: I didn’t know the rule until yesterday when this FIFA official explained it on TV. It is specific to hands/elbows to the face.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – yeah off the ball stuff or maybe where their view has been impeded and they can’t make an accurate call on someone – a foul or handball, or sending the wrong player off.
I just think that ultimately it should be the ref deciding when it gets used rather than someone in a studio telling the ref to use it.
There will still be errors, but at least the big game changing decisions can be reviewed.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Why are the studio VAR officials in full Ref kit? Who do they think they are – John Terry at the CL final celebrations?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kim – I’d take him, would you?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Must admit I’ve rarely seen that given, but hey. Whats a show without a star. Be a bit pissed to go see a rock star and get an understudy.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Although there was that time that Eric Clapton failed to make a gig and a then 16 yr old played the second set. Mick Taylor. 18 months with John Mayell and he’s in the Stones. Still my favourite Blues Guitarist.
PremAndUp(Quote)
“I think VAR is being applied so poorly, it’s not only changing the game, it’s taking over … I really don’t think they could have got it more wrong if they tried.”
And to think, Sharpy, the version you’re seeing at the world cup is a refined version of what we had for a full season in the A-league.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Anyway, pre-season starts next week. If Chelsea really have decided a price for Kenedy I say we buy him now. Sarri might want a look but Conte always complained that recruitment was out of his hands. Buy him before they change their mind.
I am not fussed if RLC or Abrahms go out on loan although people know my opinion on the former. I do not agree with developing other teams’ players unless we are in a relegation fight (and/or have a shot at a full purchase). Hopefully, that will not be the case this year.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We might even see Rafa. I think the Northumbria Police put out a missing persons notice on him earlier this week.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Yeah mate, won’t happen though.
kimtoon(Quote)
Bris – is that right?. I haven’t seen any A league footy to be honest – how does it work there? Is it as farsical?
Sharpy17(Quote)
all in all i think its poor show from some of the refs but what it does show you is how bad our refs in the PL are the biggest lge and not one ref from the PL was chosen to go to WC not even as a forth of stand bye,what does that say then,hope they are taking note to what they are thought of
icedog(Quote)
Rafa has no choice. There’s a €12m but out clause.
Stuart79(Quote)
He’s at SJP today, Eric. He’s meeting with Charnley ect to go through the transfers. I reckon Rafa’s taxi is probably going to wait outside with the meter on.
Stuart79(Quote)