Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley’s stance on transfer fees has affected boss Rafa Benitez’ ability to spend big this summer, according to the Times.
The newspaper has reported on their website that because the United tycoon insists on paying all fees for players up front rather than adhering to the standard practice of playing in instalments, Benitez has found it difficult to spend big on players this summer.
Ashley is not willing to follow this procedure as he believes that it would have an effect on the club’s value should it be put up for sale.
The Magpies now find themselves in the position of making a loss because of Ashley’s reluctance to follow the standard practice, despite selling players for fees that could bring in £40 million.
OPINION
The news that Ashley is reluctant to follow the usual practice of paying for players in parts is not surprising, as his only main concern appears to be about how the actions would affect the club’s value. This shows that he is only interested in making money from the club rather than investing his own cash in it, which is definitely the wrong stance to take when taking over a club. His unlogical decision to pay up front has now affected Benitez’ ability to spend big on players that could have made a real difference to the club, and who could have even helped them challenge for a top-six finish. Now, the Spaniard faces the daunting task of steering the side away from the relegation zone, when he should be mainly focusing on achieving a consecutive tenth-placed finish. Ashley is playing a risky game here, and Newcastle are better off having an owner who cares about the club’s future in the league, rather than the money that it could potentially generate.
