Malcolm Macdonald has featured on a recent episode of NUFC Matters as the panel tried to work out why the proposed takeover of Newcastle United was now off.
On 30th July, it emerged that Amanda Staveley’s consortium had withdrawn its offer to buy the Toon.
Macdonald discussed various issues regarding the takeover and spent a little bit of time on what the players might be thinking now.
He said: “I think players will be very unhappy about the whole situation and bless him, Steve Bruce – what a close season he’s going to have, because I cannot see him being given a penny to spend, and I can see him being put under instruction to ensure that players are sold.”
It seems as if Macdonald believes that the current squad will be unhappy at this situation, and Bruce might now have to sell some of the Toon’s squad.
Do you think players will leave now?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts…
There were plans from the consortium to invest £250m over the first few years, as well as more money into the city, so you can see why the players and Bruce could be annoyed about that.
Instead, it appears as though the current Toon boss will have a budget of £35m plus player sales to spend.
One of those who could be sold is Allan Saint-Maximin, with the Frenchman attracting interest from the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers after a solid season in the Premier League.
Therefore, it looks like if Bruce was forced to sell players, then Saint-Maximin could be one of those to go – which would pretty much vindicate Macdonald’s comments.