Newcastle United fans are desperate to see the back of owner Mike Ashley, who has been reluctant to invest in the side over the course of the summer, and the controversial owner seems to be open to selling his stakes in the club.
The Magpies returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking last season, winning the Championship title, and have started this campaign with three victories and three defeats from the opening six games of the season.
Stern tests await for Rafael Benitez’ side, who have to face Liverpool this weekend before an away trip to Manchester United next month, but the performances on the field may well be crucial to finding a new investor.
Newcastle are a huge club with plenty of support, a top-class stadium and a passionate city behind them, which all appeals to investors, but anyone looking to come in will want to see the potential of building a competitive side.
The aim for Newcastle this season is to retain their spot in the Premier League, with Benitez aiming for the magic 40-point mark, but some memorable performances in the big games against the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool could really help put the club on the map.
The story of Roman Abramovich’s purchase of a sinking Chelsea 15-years ago is now infamous, with the Russian billionaire initially keen on buying Tottenham Hotspur before being swayed by a dramatic victory on the final day of the season that secured Champions League football, which shows how important the on-field performances are.
Whilst it’s extremely unlikely Newcastle will face a deciding game to seal a spot in the Champions League this season, Benitez’ side still have the chance to show exactly what Newcastle are capable of; namely providing a fortress at St. James’ Park and a side capable of going toe-to-toe with the Premier League’s big boys.
With Ashley making it clear he’s open to buyers, it’s extremely unlikely he’ll put any more of his money into the club between now and his departure- which could prove problematic if Newcastle see their squad depleted by injuries or January departures.
Fortunately, the Magpies do boast a side with decent depth that should allow them to maintain their status as a Premier League side and establish a platform of success for the coming years, where the Tyneside outfit can build towards being a top-half Premier League side once again.
Newcastle are waiting on serious bids for the club but the upcoming big games could divert some attention their way, specifically from the Far East- where Chinese investors are ramping up their attempts to get involved with European football and could be attracted to Tyneside.
