Reliable Middle Eastern journalist Hamed Al Harthi has claimed that the reported takeover of Newcastle United is a “done” deal.
As reported by the Sun, Mike Ashley is believed to have agreed to sell the Magpies to Dubai-based billionaire Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan.
And Al Harthi, whose credentials are vouched for by Sky reporter Pete Graves, has taken to Twitter to add further fuel to the fire.
Writing on his personal account, when asked about the takeover, he simply put: “Done”.
Done
— ???? ??????? (@hamed_alharthi) May 27, 2019
OPINION
This will surely have Newcastle fans in meltdown. As if they weren’t excited enough, to then have a respected reporter based in the UAE come out and give such an unequivocal ruling on the matter will be enough for most fans to start planning their Mike Ashley leaving parties. That being said, nothing is set in stone until a confirmation from the club itself is made, and for all of the reliable journalists and inside sources in the world, no deal can be taken for granted until there is undeniable proof from St. James’ Park that it is going ahead. Yes, you would expect Al Harthi to have a better handle on this than some of his English colleagues given his proximity to the potential buyer, but even then, he will be working on a fair amount of supposition. In short: do not count your chickens until they have hatched, especially where everyone’s favourite pantomime villain Ashley is concerned.