A Saudi Arabian investment group are preparing a ‘huge’ bid to take over Newcastle United, according to journalist Mootaz Chehade.
Middle East-based Chehade, who works for international sports outlet VAVEL, reported on his personal Twitter account on Sunday that a Saudi group were preparing a significant takeover bid.
It is further claimed that Magpies owner Mike Ashley is ‘tempted’ to sell on the club, with Newcastle bosses continuing to insist that the club is on the market.
The news about an interest from the Saudi Royal family in buying Manchester United are completely false. In other news a Saudi investment company are currently preparing a huge bid to buy Newcastle United, Chairman Mike Ashley is tempted to sell.
— Mootaz Chehade (@MHChehade) October 14, 2018
OPINION
It is hard to know whether to take this information at face value, with there being so many conflicting reports surrounding the Newcastle ownership situation. It had looked initially like the club would be sold to PCP Capital Partners last year before negotiations broke down, and no other group has launched a serious bid since then. And, while Ashley claims the club is for sale, the Sports Direct tycoon is showing few signs of actually wanting to let the club go. Increasing unhappiness among fans is amping up the pressure on the London businessman, but whether he is actually feeling it is another matter. If there is a Saudi Arabian group actually preparing a big bid for Newcastle then this is exciting news for the Toon Army, who will be glad to see the back of Ashley. It would also likely mean manager Rafa Benitez stays and receives a huge injection of cash to spend on new players. However it is important to not get too far ahead of ourselves where Ashley is concerned, especially when the information is yet to be corroborated.