Colin Young at the Mail Online wrote an intriguing piece regarding the future of Newcastle United. In it, Young claims that investors in Qatar are considering a buy out of Newcastle to continue to expand their reach into global football (what, the World Cup wasn’t enough?). A week ago Barcelona agreed to a £125 million sponsorship deal with the Qatar Foundation. Apparently, that Qatari Foundation have singled out Newcastle United as prime contenders as a club worth investing in.
Officially the club is off the market, but would Mike Ashley now accept a bid of at least £200 million? It would be interesting to see. The club’s emergence as a Premier League club, and victories over some big hitters, including last weekend’s win over the Scousers, has brought us additional attention. Would Mike Ashley now ask for more than £200 million because of our status, or would he take someone’s arm off at a chance to get himself out of Tyneside?
Let’s not forget though that Alan Pardew is on a five-and-a-half year contract at NUFC, and most likely, any potential new owners would want to bring in their own manager sooner rather than later. The last thing this football club needs though is more upheaval, especially after the week we’ve just had.
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I want the current owners out, and I would love dearly if Mike Ashley slung his hook. Imagine, being taken over by wealthy Middle Eastern businessmen where money was no object. We can but hope.
I wouldn’t put too much stock into these rumors as they were linked with other EPL clubs (Everton, Tottenham) just last week. After the WC 2022 vote and the Barcelona sponsorship, this sounds like someone throwing a story out there and hoping it sticks.
As for a potential wealthy Middle Eastern businessman taking over at NUFC, I want Ashley out as much as anybody but I would be careful what you wish for. Just because someone has money and is willing to spend it does not mean you will get stability and success. Any potential new owner will be successful when he/she is willing to let those with football knowledge handle the footballing decisions.
And if that person has tonnes of cash, all the better
We can but hope, Michael!