Newcastle United are still attracting attention from potential buyers and there could be a takeover on the cards in the winter if the club is struggling in the Premier League, according to Chronicle journalist Mark Douglas.
The reporter claimed via the Chronicle’s Everything is Black and White podcast that Mike Ashley could lower his asking price if the Magpies find themselves in the relegation zone by the time December and January come around.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if we hear more in December because there are still people sniffing around that football club and if the team are in the bottom three, there’ll be people thinking they can get a bargain out of Mike Ashley again,” said Douglas [35m 38s].
“He will probably more open to listening to lower offers in January and December which is what happened last December. He was basically saying ‘take it off my hands, you now have to take the risk’.
“But you know, whether he’s interested in selling or not, is a big question.
“The club insists he is but this is three different groups now that have tried to take it off his hands. I’m just sceptical about the whole thing now.”
The Bin Zayed Group were widely-reported to have wanted to buy the Tyneside club over the summer but despite a series of statements claiming that they had agreed a fee, it seems as though their interest is no more.
OPINION
Newcastle fans have heard it all before but Douglas is right to say that if the club is struggling halfway through the season then there might be a better chance of a takeover happening. If Newcastle stay safe in the Premier League then that is what Ashley wants. The club continues to rake in the broadcast money and continues to make a profit on player transfers. If there is a threat of that not happening next year then that could weaken Ashley’s resolve and he will be more receptive to a bid. However if someone waits too late to buy Newcastle and they do suffer relegation, that could put off bidders and also make Ashley want to stick around so that he can try to win promotion and regain the lost value. Ashley is a businessman so he won’t do anything that will see him hit in the pocket. For now though it is best for Newcastle fans just to focus on the mess on the pitch rather than the circus act in the boardroom.
