AFCON 2025
By Chima Azu
Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund purchased 80 percent stake of Newscastle this October for a whooping £300m to put an end to Mike Ashley’s 14 years ownership of the club. The public investment fund have companies scattered around the world and the are worth $430bn in asset.
The last time the Magpies played in an European competition (Europa League) was in 2012/13 season and they last played in the Champions League in 2002/03 season. They once had a famous victory against Barcelona in 2017 where they won 3-2 against a Barca team that had Rivaldo, Figo, Luis Enrique. With this takeover Newscastle fans would definitely be hoping they get back to those good old days by playing in Europe once again and possibly competing for the EPL title.
Several coaches have been linked with the Newscastle job even with Steve Bruce yet to be sacked, coaches like Favre, Graham Potter, Gerrard, Lampard, Conte have all been speculated and with that it’s only a matter of when not if Bruce would be relieved of his job. He looks prepared for it after his recent interview with skysports saying “I want to continue but I have to be realistic I am not stupid and aware what could happen with new owners”
However, it is possible that Newscastle can get up there amongst the best in the EPL, but this will definitely be a herculean task and will take some years with them getting the right coach who can attract quality players being given a long term ambition to build the team, a good sporting director and an understanding board to get the desired results. And one should not rule them out looking at how Manchester City turned out to be contending for big titles and PSG competing for the Champions League year in year out which wasn’t the case before.
Although, for them not playing in the Champions League currently might not attract marquee players but we have seen many players moved to smaller leagues or clubs all for the money; so with the right amount and guaranteed playing time it is only a matter of time for for them to start getting these players. Also, several players have already been linked with a move to Newscastle, players like Dembele, Coutinho, Lingard, Sterling and it is likely that they might get a couple in the next transfer window come January. With a top coach been giving the free hand to sign his kind of players (quality players) and with a supportive board providing the needed funds, one won’t be surprise seeing Newscastle competing for titles sooner rather than later.
