A ‘source close’ to the Saudi-backed consortium bidding to buy Newcastle has told The Independent they are “confident” a takeover wiil go through in the “next few weeks” – but warns fans that “massive spending” may not be possible.
The same source also suggests the would-be owners are keen to manage the expectations of Newcastle fans, claiming that early comparisons to Manchester City and Chelsea – two clubs that spent BIG following 21st century takeovers – is ‘misleading’, with the club expected to work within FFP restrictions and ‘pay its own way’ should a deal go through.
On the plus side, The Independent reveal that the buyers expect a deal will be passed by the Premier League in the coming weeks, believing the delay is down to timing more than their credentials as potential top flight owners.
Nevertheless, here’s what a ‘person close to the consortium’ told The Independent about talk
“Newcastle is not about to become the richest club in the world,”
“Newcastle will have very rich owners but that does not mean massive spending.”
“Even if the environment was the same as when Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 or Abu Dhabi went into City five years later, things would still be done differently.
“This takeover is based on strict investment criteria. Even if there were no financial fair play (FFP) rules in place spending would be sensible.”
So, they’re expecting a takeover to go through in the “next few weeks” say The Independent, but they are keen to stress that an endless pot of cash won’t be available to spend should they do so – no matter how rich our owners would be on paper.
The latter may seem like bad news to those dreaming of big marquee signings after seeing us be linked with mega-money moves for Coutinho and Koulibaly over the past few months, but it’s hardly a catastrophe if true.
After all, we’d have to deal with FFP no matter who owned us, with the days of endless Man City-esque investment over now that’s been introduced, so it shouldn’t come as a major shock that they plan to work within restrictions.
Ultimately, we just want new owners capable of giving the club a sense of hope and ambition again – and I’m sure they’ll be able to surpass Mike Ashley by some distance in that department!
Good now let’s see what happens after the takeover
The main thing is Ashley will have left the building
Dave(Quote)
Sources close to means…….bullshit.
Cocobear(Quote)
For over 2 months now we have been played with the different news papers and reports of a take over and nothing had come of it. As a Newcastle fan I just want what is best for our club. So more bulls**t again today about take over.. enough is enough
Kieran(Quote)
sleeping giant no doubt about it need a manager with vision
michael morris(Quote)