According to The Athletic, the Premier League’s new TV deal with beIN Sports is bad news for hopes that the Saudi Arabian takeover could soon be pushed through at Newcastle United.
What’s the story?
Extending the deal that has been in place since 2013, the fresh agreement will run until 2025 and is reportedly worth £368m to the Premier League, though Newcastle opposed the deal.
Indeed, Mike Ashley is believed to have launched legal action against England’s elite division after a deal to sell the club fell through earlier this year, potentially leading to the club’s decision to oppose the deal. Interestingly, they were the only Premier League side to do so.
What does it mean for Newcastle?
The article suggests the agreement is bad news for the Magpies.
Given Ashley’s reported action, fans may be hoping of a resolution soon, but the fact the league have agreed a deal with beIN Sports – who opposed the takeover because of apparent piracy reasons from Saudi Arabia – suggests they have set out their stall.
The Verdict
Though no one has a right to tell supporters how to feel, perhaps its time we park up any dreams of seeing the Ashley era ending anytime soon.
Such a state of limbo is not healthy for anyone and, with Fulham and Burnley showing signs of recovery of late, Newcastle need to focus on getting their January transfer plans in order, even if they are only loan additions.
The appointment of Sam Allardyce at West Brom surely raises their chances of survival too and, while Steve Bruce’s side do appear to have a cushion between them and the relegation zone right now, this season has thrown up plenty of surprises already.
The performances against Brighton, Southampton, Chelsea and Leeds to a certain extent do suggest this team are more than capable of going on poor runs, so they cannot count their chickens just yet. Alarmingly, Manchester City and Liverpool are two of their next three league games after a huge game against Fulham this evening.
Focusing on the here and now has to be the healthiest way to go.
