George Caulkin, speaking on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, claimed that over the last few weeks, there have been ‘various points’ when ‘the green light was about to be given’ for the completion of the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s ongoing proposed takeover of Newcastle United.
However, despite this, there has been no official confirmation from the Premier League. Caulkin does think that the ‘main bulk’ of the Premier League’s checks have been done, but that they are ‘still working through questions’.
The Athletic reporter, therefore, thinks that this takeover process is at its ‘final stage’.
Here is what Caulkin said in full:
“There have been various points along the way where it looks like either the green light was about to be given or that the nod has been given somewhere down the line that everything is going to be okay.
“My interpretation of it is that the main bulk of the work has been done on the test, but they are still working through questions.
“I think that is the final stage of the process, but how many times have we said that?”
TIF Thoughts…
Interestingly, Caulkin feels there have been points where the deal was looking like it was going to be announced, only for nothing to happen.
Do you think Caulkin is right?
Yes, the decision from the Premier League has to be close
No, it is going to drag on
This could explain why The Sun published an article on 24th May claiming that the takeover would be announced at the start of this month.
The deal for Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium to take Newcastle from Mike Ashley was agreed with the club’s current owner in April, and a deposit was paid to the Magpies’ current owner.
Given the fact that back in April, the process was reportedly expected to last no more than 30 days and we are now in June, this could also explain why Caulkin feels that the bulk of the checks have been completed.
However, a piece by fellow Athletic reporter Matt Slater suggests that Saudi Arabia could have to make concessions before the Premier League approves their takeover.
So, perhaps these final questions Caulkin talked about involved the buyers ironing out these issues.
The truth is no one really knows – however, Caulkin has done his best to sum up a complex situation.