Speaking to the Chronicle, Dubai-based reporter Ben Jacobs claims that the Bin Zayed Group have ‘indicated’ that around £150m could be available to Rafa Benitez if a takeover goes through over the next few weeks.
Jacobs – who is a Middle-East correspondent working for Bein Sports and ESPN – also claims that, should a deal go through, the Bin Zayed Group have drawn up 3-5 year plan to challenge for Champions League places.
This of course assumes that a £350m deal happens and the Spaniard signs a new contract at the club, however this is one of several interesting claims Ben Jacobs made during his appearance on the Chronicle’s latest podcast.
In his guest appearance on the ‘Everything’s Black and White Podcast‘ (listen to it below), he also mentions that a ‘timeline of one month’ has been placed on the official completion of the takeover, stating that it’s plausible that a BZG delegation could arrive on Tyneside this week to speed up the process.
It’s hard to know what to believe right now given the club’s silence on the matter, but it would make sense for the BZG to get cracking considering Rafa’s current deal expires in 4 weeks – especially when it’s claimed they want to keep Benitez and seem serious about getting the deal done this summer.
The idea of them being willing to invite co-investment into their bid for Newcastle United is also mentioned by Jacobs, suggesting they’d be keen to bring in outside investment once they have gained control – something that may only better the club when it comes to overall financial power.
This is just a snippet of what Jacobs had to say during his fascinating chat with the guys at the Chronicle, but his comments certainly reinforce the idea that Sheikh Khaled and the Bin Zayed Group are VERY serious about getting this deal done – and making ‘sleeping giants’ Newcastle United a real force again.
I hope that this deal goes ahead and the fans are given the chance to have a small share in the business. 35 million shares at ten pound each maybe? If 50000 fans bought an average of 10 shares each (£100) that would be 5 million. Ok it is less than 2% but it is a start. Is this crazy talk?
Barry Hutton(Quote)
I like it and want to participate in it.
funrafa(Quote)
Why would BZG buy the club and then offer shares?
Rob Brown(Quote)
Don’t trust that. guy,friends with Keys. and Grey
Iceedog(Quote)
You underestimate the problem. There is a lot of money to spend: £150 million but Rafa will have to accept a Director of Football making the final decision.
DoF are the norm now. Today’s owners want more control over how their millions are spent. This is why Benitez is worried. He is very divisive, playing on fans’ hatred of Ashley, knowing that his constant whining about needing more transfer money plays neatly with the fans sympathies. What Rafa doesn’t want now is a new owner placing sensible restrictions on his desire to repeatedly spent other people’s money in the transfer market.
Fat Dave(Quote)
I cant believe Sheik Kahled hasnt already contacted Rafa, (if hes so keen to keep him on board ) and suggested he just accepts the contract offered and have it adjusted once the new group are on board.
Peter Henderson(Quote)
How are they going to spend £150m? The premier leagues FFP, never mind UEFA’s say you cannot raise your wages over £7m than the year before. UEFA say you can’t lose over £20m over a period. So with a £180m turnover and around £65m going back into the club. They simply can’t spend that money! Isn’t FFP great and fair?
You loved it(Quote)
That should read £165m going out not £65m
You loved it(Quote)
I only hope that fat wallet Ashley is not hanging back on this deal because as we have heard and read that at least two other parties are still interested in purchasing the club and are sworn to non disclosure and it wouldn’t come as a shock to us all if waiting for a bigger offer.
James short(Quote)
👿 When will fans realise Ashley hates northeners and wakes up every morning wondering how he can upset newcastle united fans as its his only perverted passion
Michael Parker(Quote)
The only person who is going to stop this deal going through is that fcb, I pray every night that this deal goes through ???
Collinsie(Quote)
That’s not exactly how it can work, You can as owner bring outside sponsorship to boost club’s revenues as per Man City and Etihad airways, that then increases annual turnover, PSG did exactly the same, yes wage bill can only slightly increase but wages can be offset with bonus schemes and signing on fees which agents today love….
Thumper(Quote)
How are they going to spend £150m? The premier leagues FFP, never mind UEFA’s say you cannot raise your wages over £7m than the year before. UEFA say you can’t lose over £20m over a period. So with a £180m turnover and around £65m going back into the club. They simply can’t spend that money! Isn’t FFP great and fair?
Isn’t there something in there about not making a loss UNLESS THE OWNER CAN COVER IT?
Now that’s a get out clause
Rob Brown(Quote)
I always get a bit suspect when people say things like 150 million COULD be available, or a 3-5 year plan.
Is the money available> Yes or no?
You don
t make a 3 – 5 year plan. You make a 3 year plan or a 5 year plan. Are they suggesting that there’s no plan for the first 3 years, but they decided they needed one fro the 3-5 year period?
All too iffy.
Rob Brown(Quote)