OPINION
With every passing day, the Bin Zayed Group’s purported takeover of Newcastle United becomes more and more tiresome.
Information is like gold dust, and the things that do trickle down to the fans, usually through journalists rather than official channels, aren’t exactly enough to fill anybody with hope.
Take George Caulkin’s latest comments in the matter.
Writing on his personal Twitter account on Tuesday, the Times journalist claimed that there are at least two parties keen on buying United, but also admitted that a completed deal was a long way off and by no means guaranteed.
He said: “There are at least two bidders who claim they’re in advanced negotiations.
“But there’s no exclusivity and the formalities of completing a deal can take weeks.
“And none of that means something will definitely happen.”
There are at least two bidders who claim they’re in advanced negotiations. But there’s no exclusivity and the formalities of completing a deal can take weeks. And none of that means something will definitely happen.
— George Caulkin (@GeorgeCaulkin) June 18, 2019
Essentially, this is just about the last thing Newcastle fans will have wanted to hear.
Sure, having more than one bidder theoretically increases the chances of a deal getting tied up, but when it comes down to it, would you rather have 500 maybes or one definite yes?
The lack of exclusivity is also a concern. If a deal with any party, Bin Zayed or otherwise, was at an advanced stage then you would naturally assume that Mike Ashley would not be willing to listen to any other offers.
As it is, it feels like the Toon Army are no further forward than when this story first broke weeks ago.
That’s not to say that a deal won’t be struck at some point, but it won’t be any time soon, and it certainly won’t be before Rafa Benitez’s contract expires at the end of the month.
Caulkin’s comments show that Newcastle still have a mountain to climb.
