Over the past few days, one club in particular stole all the headlines, and that has been the most talked-about ever since.
Newcastle’s takeover finally went through after Mike Ashley had played hardball with the sale of the club for years now. The Saudi-backed consortium did try to buy the club last summer but were faced with much criticism that eventually led to the deal falling through.
However, nothing came in the way this time around and Newcastle are now categorically the richest club in world football. The Saudi-backed consortium, fully supported by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, totals a net worth ranging in the hundreds of billions.
With all of that wealth and influence, it is expected that the new owners will inject as much cash into the club to turn them into a powerhouse, similar to what Manchester City achieved after they got new owners.
First on the list for Newcastle is to secure them a proper tactician that will not only bring results on the pitch but can also attract top-quality world-class players.
Current Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is facing immense pressure following the club’s woeful reports this season. The Magpies have reportedly drawn up a shortlist of managers to target and Brighton’s Graham Potter is apparently top of that list.
Graham Potter wanted by Newcastle
It’s easy to see why Steve Bruce’s days at Newcastle are numbered. The club has largely struggled this season and currently find themselves languishing in the relegation zone at 19th place. They have only three points so far this season and are among the four sides yet to claim a single win. To make matters worse, their 16 goals conceded means they have recorded the worst defence so far, alongside bottom-placed Norwich City.
In opposite fortunes, Brighton are flying high this season, sitting in sixth place. They have suffered only one loss this season but there’s more to it. The Seagulls have improved their playing style by far and look like a well-managed team. Graham Potter has earned all the plaudits and a report from The Sun claims the Englishman is now top of Newcastle’s wishlist.
He is still under contract with Brighton and that means they will have to pay more to get him but money is not exactly a problem for Newcastle at the moment.
Other managers on the radar of Newcastle
A high-profile name like Antonio Conte would have made sense for Newcastle but the Italian ruled himself out of contention for the job. Elsewhere, Frank Lampard is still out there without a job and could also come in as a good name to usher them into a new project. It would be interesting to see what becomes of Newcastle under their new ownership. A bit reactionary but some bookmakers have updated their odds and have the Magpies as one of the favourites to win the Premier League next season.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
