Newcastle United lost their first game under new ownership, 2-3 at St. James’ Park against Tottenham on Sunday. Fans welcomed the club’s new bosses with huge cheers, as the Saudi-backed hierarchy now looks into a total reshaping of the club.
According to The Telegraph, as much as $275 million could be made available ahead of the January transfer window. It’s been reported that the initial budget for acquisitions will be around $70 million. Another major cash injection is possible, though, depending on the opportunities that occur on the market. It’s believed that Newcastle will invest massively if they believe there’s a chance to sign a player who could take the club to the next level.
Newcastle's new chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and owner Amanda Staveley receive a massive reception from the fans âšªï¸ âš«ï¸ pic.twitter.com/6WKFUumi1j
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) October 17, 2021
If no big name is tempted, cash won’t be splashed. Newcastle United is now regarded as the richest club in the world, following their take-over by Saudi-backed businessmen. With a fortune estimated at $440 billion, the Saudi royal family will look into challenging the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool on the pitch as soon as possible.
Who does Newcastle want?
Recently, a host of high-profile players were linked with January moves to North England. Chris Waddle, a Newcastle legend, asked publicly for the club to go after Paul Pogba (Manchester United) and Eden Hazard (Real Madrid). Waddle also wants Newcastle to grab talented young English players such as Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal, Declan Rice from West Ham, or Kalvin Phillips from Leeds.
Fiorentina’s Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic is a rumored target as well. Newcastle is set to battle it out with Juventus for the 21-year-old’s signature. Barcelona’s Philippe Coutinho, Juve’s Adrien Rabiot, and Betis’s Nabil Fekir are also on the Toon’s wishlist.
The first goal scored under the new owners, it’s gonna take time but Newcastle United are back 🤩🤩🤩 #NUFC pic.twitter.com/Jom04C50EV
— Adam Pearson 🇸🇦🇸🇦🇸🇦 (@AdamP1242) October 18, 2021
Who will be Newcastle’s next manager?
Many expected Steve Bruce to be removed as manager following the takeover, but he remained in charge for the Tottenham game. For the time being, there has been no official announcement regarding his future. According to the English media, Newcastle is actively looking for a replacement.
Jose Mourinho was one of the names that came up, but The Special One ruled out a possible comeback to the Premier League just a few months after leaving Tottenham. Talking to the Italian journalists after his current club, AS Roma, lost 1-0 to Juventus at the weekend, Mourinho said he feels an “emotional connection” with Newcastle, but is dedicated to Roma.
“For many, many years, I worked with one of the most important figures in the history of Newcastle, Sir Bobby Robson. Because of that I have always had a bit of an emotional connection with that city and that fanbase. But it’s nothing more than that,” Mourinho said. “I am here, I am really happy to be here [at Roma]. I am 100% focused on the Roma project,” he stressed.
Bookies don’t believe Steve Bruce will last for too long under the Saudis, who are reportedly already making a list of possible successors. Former Borussia Dortmund coach Lucien Favre is the favorite at +500, followed by Roma’s former manager Paulo Fonseca at +700. Glasgow Rangers manager and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard completes the top 3 at +700. Chelsea’s former coach, Frank Lampard, is next at +750.
