Journalist Mark Douglas has given fans an insight into what the spending habits of the club could be when and if the proposed takeover is completed.
Over a year has passed since news emerged suggesting that Mike Ashley, who has developed a reputation for being stringent with his money when it comes to the club, could be in a position to sell to the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, who might be a little more lavish when it comes to buying players.
And speaking on the latest Everything is Black and White Podcast (37:41), Douglas revealed just how much the new investors were willing to fork out when it comes to bringing in players:
“But you know obviously if the takeover happens, they pledged £50m per transfer season additional top funds on top of what they had so you’d be looking at more like £80m and then you could be talking about four or five players, it may even be more than that that they look at. You know they might really fancy having a go at it if they take over but you know I think that’s still a bit of a pipe dream at the moment.”
Would this amount be enough to push Newcastle United forward?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on Mark Douglas’ comments about Newcastle’s potential spending powers
If Douglas’ words are true when it comes to how much the new investors could spend if the deal were to take place, then on the surface it still doesn’t sound all that much in terms of progress.
If you take a look back at the spending during the 19/20 season (the last time clubs had a proper run-up when it came to finances rather than being slowed down by other factors), £80m a season is just par for the course when it comes to Premier League spending.
Granted, it was never going to be a case of them filling their team with global superstars as some suggested, and it is more than Ashley would probably be willing to spend in a season given his history. But if Newcastle are looking to make major progress as a club under these potential owners, it will take a lot more than what they’re supposedly set to do.