A group of Newcastle United supporters have been discussing a recent update from journalist Paul Smith on Twitter in regards to the takeover of the club. Many had expected the Premier League to announce that the Saudi-backed consortium had passed all the relevant checks by now – but that hasn’t been the case.
Instead, there is still no official word, despite The Telegraph’s Jason Burt claiming that the Premier League began the process on approximately 9th April and that it could take up to four weeks. We’re now in June and there has still been no confirmation – causing much concern amongst the supporters desperate to see the back of Mike Ashley.
As per Smith’s tweet, the Saudis have become ‘annoyed’ by how long this is taking and claim they’ve been subjected to more outrageous accusations, as those who are opposed to the deal try and prevent its conclusion.
Here is how some of the St. James’ Park faithful have responded.
If this is the case, the @premierleague want investigating. It’s negligent, disrespectful and typically lacks leadership from them.
— Nedders (@Neddrs) June 1, 2020
This league is incompetent
— Jack (@jchaytor16) June 1, 2020
Are you confident the takeover will be approved by the Premier League?
Yes
No
Some fans appear to have lost faith in Smith’s reporting and claim he told the fans the deal was ‘done and dusted’ recently.
Didn’t you say this was done and dusted the other week? Bore off
— Maggies (@deaNo_oO) June 1, 2020
Unfounded clickbait.
— Flyingmag (@1Flyingmag) June 1, 2020
Quick everybody. Paul needs “clicks” to stay relevant.
— Zippy (@coker51027711) June 1, 2020
Another supporter suggested the Saudi-led consortium could still pull out of the deal if the Premier League are unable to ratify it in the near future.
What’s the best they get soooo annoyed they pull out, leaving Ashly with a 17M non refundable deposit, as payment for 3 months of worldwide publicity. 6 months ago no one knew who the P.I.F were, now the whole world knows……
— robert bourke (@atourdeforce1) June 1, 2020
Whilst those of a Newcastle United persuasion try to remain patient, it is starting to become impossible due to the length of time it is taking for this process to be completed. The longer this drags on for, the more doubt will be cast over whether or not the Premier League are going to allow the takeover to move forward.