OPINION
With Mike Ashley still at the helm of Newcastle United – despite all that talk over winter of a potential takeover – the fans at St James’ Park will feel they know exactly how this summer transfer window is going to pan out.
It was the same situation last summer, and the summer before that – a limited transfer budget handed to Rafael Benitez with purchases only offset by the sale of current players on Tyneside.
The Championship season saw the likes of Moussa Sissoko and Gini Wijnaldum fund the arrivals of Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle with their exits, while last summer Benitez was vocal about his frustration at not getting deals over the line.
With Martin Dubravka, whose loan deal was turned permanent, and Ki Sung-Yeung, a free signing after his exit from Swansea, the only pair through the door so far, the Toon Army will be hoping that the summer kicks off sooner rather than later, or fear the worst for the upcoming campaign.
They may be about to get their wish.
The Chronicle claim on their website that Mikel Merino is destined for the exit over the next couple of days as Spanish side Real Sociedad look to activate a £10million clause in his contract, and the midfielder’s imminent exit should signal the opportunity to finally make a breakthrough in terms of new recruits.
Yes, £10million is not a massive fee in today’s market, but it should be a healthy boost to the coffers at Benitez’s disposal, and help him to secure the first of what fans will be hoping are many signings this summer.
It is a key moment for the Magpies, who have much strengthening to do, and with the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba also lined up for departures, Newcastle fans could be about to see their club kick their business up a notch.