Ever since the news that the Bin Zayed Group led by Sheikh Khaled was uncovered on May 26th, there have been doubts about whether the Sheikh has the money to buy the club.
Since he failed to buy Liverpool last August with a bid for 2B becasue the American owners didn’t want to sell we thought he could put together £350M to buy Newcastle.
The Tyneside club are a much better prospect as far as return on investment (ROI) is concerned.
And every day since then the Chronicle has reported that Mike Ashley is still awaiting an official bid from the group.
But if we are to believe the announcements made by Sheikh Khaled things are going well, but nobody knows what the timeframe of the takeover is.
Last week speaking to the Transfer Window podcast, reporter Duncan Castles has claimed a couple of things.
Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed al-Nahyan
One is that there is great skepticism in the City on the Bin Zayed takeover.
The second is that Jose Mourinho is interested to know if a real takeover is happening because if it is, he would be (very) interested in managing Newcastle.
Freelance reporter Duncan Castles has been speaking to the Transfer Window podcast, and said this about the Newcastle situation:
“I can tell you, Jose Mourinho is interested to find out whether there is a possibility of Newcastle United being bought by a wealthy owner.
“If Newcastle was, he would be interested in finding out whether that is an opportunity for him to manage again.”
“I think it (a Newcastle United Takeover) is a longshot.”
“For the reasons that we explained when we talked about that Newcastle United bid.”
“That it has been presented from a distant, relatively distant member of the Abu Dhabi royal family.”
“That we had skepticism in the City of London as to whether a deal to buy the club was actually in place.”
Things should break open soon – because this dreadful state of affairs can’t go on much past the end of this month.
We hope this breaks for the good of the club.
That would mean Rafa stays, and Mike Ashley sells the club to the Bin Zayed Group or some other ambitious group willing to invest heavily in the club.
If Rafa goes and Ashley stays, that’s a definition of the disaster scenario this summer for Newcastle United.
Comments welcome.
47 comments so far
Optimistic Oryx
Jun 14, 2019 at 9:32 AM
Comment #1Oh no there isn’t
Tony Baloney
Jun 14, 2019 at 9:36 AM
Comment #2Ed’s on a roll now. Let’s see if I can get this comment in before his next article?
droppy in Wallsend
Jun 14, 2019 at 9:44 AM
Comment #3Tony
Was just thinking the same.
My comments seem to move the bus forward.
Bills Son Is Back
Jun 14, 2019 at 9:44 AM
Comment #4So, the bid…
“has been presented from a distant, relatively distant member of the Abu Dhabi royal family.”
And the point is?
Presumably this guy reckons you need to be a really close member to have any dosh?
What an absolute load of bollocks.
Tony Baloney
Jun 14, 2019 at 9:45 AM
Comment #5We should definitely make July 14 “National no harmful gender stereotypes Day”. It is gay pride month after all.
About 20 years ago my brother visited me in Chicago. My wife had a storefront office on the parade route so we had a party with lots of drinks and looking out onto the parade from the full frame giant glass window. My brother is a bit (a lot) homophobic. He went a bit mental when a gay man in backless chaps pressed his arse cheeks against the window.
Rotonda heights
Jun 14, 2019 at 9:45 AM
Comment #6the sad thing is the obsessive frog will be loving this. Some supporter eh!
TomaKaThor
Jun 14, 2019 at 9:47 AM
Comment #7I must admit as time goes on im excpecting this to fizzle out, part of me thinks well surely somebody would say something official and deny it if nnothing was happening? But then again there was just silence for ages with Kenyon and that just seemed to die quietly.
Benton Toon Exile
Jun 14, 2019 at 9:48 AM
Comment #8I hold onto hope, in the knowledge that the fat lad’s ego would say something if it wasn’t true to defend his position…
woodsee
Jun 14, 2019 at 9:54 AM
Comment #9Even ashley must know hes time is up,if there is no takeover this time together with the season ticket price hike,i just cant see 50,000 every week and Rafa will be gone
Bills Son Is Back
Jun 14, 2019 at 9:55 AM
Comment #10Another take on the current situation…
If the bid is airy fairy and Rafa has had no communication from BZG and he isn’t going to accept Ashley’s contract…
Why doesn’t he just tell us NOW that he is leaving?
That gives him more time to find a club quickly and get on with the early transfer business he wants for the new season with his new club.
Saying goodbye now, and being up front with the fans, would be totally in keeping with what you would expect from Rafa, rather than having made up his mind to leave weeks ago, saying nowt, and just letting his contract run down.
The fact that Rafa is still here is, to me, one of the biggest signs that this takeover is on and that Rafa knows that.
RobLeenio
Jun 14, 2019 at 9:56 AM
Comment #11“Freelance reporter Duncan Castles”
Duncan who? Get back in your hole, son, and stay there till we say you can come out.
Tony Baloney
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:00 AM
Comment #12It better not end up like the Shearer debacle where Fat Boy Fat ignored him for 6 weeks.
Is that fat shaming? Maybe the British Advertising Board of Standards or whatever they are called will ban me from this blog?
droppy in Wallsend
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:01 AM
Comment #13Robleenio
Actually laughed out loud at that!
Is it just possible that maybe the City of London, home of 3 of the big 6 teams don’t want those noisy North East upstarts to have a chance of crashing the party.
Rafa has always shown great integrity and respects the fan base I think if he could he would speak as he knows that we are a huge asset.
Keep the faith.
Lindisfarne
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:01 AM
Comment #14Today is Whit Friday and I am riet brassed off!
With the club sale looking likely to not be completed soon if ever, the club need to move forward and ensure that everything is in place for a strong start to the season. Whether true or not, the Shiekdown can not be allowed to distract from the fact that Rafa is needed, his contract should be extended on whatever terms he deems (within reason) and the continued success of the club secured.
Tony Baloney
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:06 AM
Comment #15Good news: weather is good in Southampton.
Bad News: Sky have the high pitched voiced, Michael Slater, Aussie in an electric blue suit that is 2 sizes too small doing the intros. I am not sure if Slats (I am guessing that’s his nickname) could sound any more Aussie.
Update: Nasser is also wearing an electric blue suit that is 2 sizes too small. They must have got a job lot.
Lindisfarne
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:07 AM
Comment #16Frank pingles come sock
Thanks for the update re:Longstaff, it just goes to show the players are non the wiser and just as relient on gossip. Not a very stable way of moving forward but all too familiar of the way our owner operates.
droppy in Wallsend
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:08 AM
Comment #17June 14th is undersized electric blue suit day.
DAVE..TOON..9
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:08 AM
Comment #18please no more negative headlines …im starting to think i might be watchin the heed next season
Tony Baloney
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:11 AM
Comment #19The British Advertising Council should ban all middle-aged cricketers in electric blue suits that are 2 sizes too small. Especially ones who sound like a wombat fcking a duck-billed platypus.
RobLeenio
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:12 AM
Comment #20Bill’s son at #10, absolutely. If there is one person at the club we can put our faith in, it’s Rafa and his silence speaks volumes.
In fact, he hasn’t even been silent – hands up who thinks the soundbites from that interview with the park owner that Rafa visited last week actually came from him?
Reilly
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:12 AM
Comment #21Justin Allen
@justinallen1976
Replying to
@jamiewstorey
I’ve been told it’s progressing well. Still with the Premier League … It is a lengthy process so can understand the frustration. Even completing the purchase of a flat can take time but imagine a £350m+ deal.
MaximusToon
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:14 AM
Comment #22Once again a lazy journo with nothing but hear say and rumours putting out an article that he will know will get Toon fans reading. Praying on people who just want some actual answers. Shame on these bottom dwellers
RobLeenio
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:16 AM
Comment #23Reilly (just for those who aren’t aware, tough I’m sure most are) that’s the guy who broke the story a couple weekends ago, a story which has yet to be officially denied and prompted the updates from the BZG. Seems to be the one journalist with the inside scoop, so thanks for posting.
Tony Baloney
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:17 AM
Comment #24They have even put Michael Holding in one of those terrible blue suits which I am very upset about because Mikey is usually super-cool.
Tony Baloney
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:19 AM
Comment #25OK, That’s enough Tony FFS. This is not a fashion blog.
WarrenBartonCentreParting
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:20 AM
Comment #26Well hats off to Ed for trying to make news when there is none.. The sensationalist headlines I am getting used to now.. No doubt there is big news coming.. but in what form?
hibbit
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:20 AM
Comment #27Lindisfarne
sorry mate but today is Wet friday in fact very WET friday here in north yorkshire 😉
WLtoon
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:20 AM
Comment #28Ashley has given Rafa a take it or leave it contract, or so we are led to believe.. it looks as though Rafa has decided to leave it or he would of surely signed a new deal.. That is one of the main reasons why ithink there is something in the takeover carry on.
Rafa would of been gone by now, Id like to think he,s waiting for the Sheik to waltz through the door and say ,fancy working for me and win some silverwear matey. here,s the money, work your magic.
offthelinebydabizas
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:21 AM
Comment #29Hi guys not posted for a while. I met rob Elliot in wallsend B&Q the other day and he said he’s heard nothing about the take over but quite a few players are worried about Rafa going. He also said he’s gone if Rafa stays but doesn’t want to leave as he loves it here. But then again he was buying quite a lot of paint so make out of that what you will. I for one hope Ashley just sells up and moves on and we can take the step forward that this great club needs.
TyneMouth
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:23 AM
Comment #30KEEP CALM.
KEEP CALM.
KEEP CALM.
KEEP CALM
……and most importantly…
KEEP THE FAITH.!!!
RobLeenio
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:24 AM
Comment #31“But then again he was buying quite a lot of paint so make out of that what you will”
He gets nagged by the missus when he’s seen to be just hanging around the house, just like the rest of us.
Heaven forbid we should just put our feet up for five minutes….
😉
hibbit
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:29 AM
Comment #32sorry lads but that paints for Rafa’s office, Mrs Rafa must have finally picked a colour !!!!
Tony Baloney
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:30 AM
Comment #33yeah, Robeenio. It is not like Elliot has had any actual goalkeeping to do in the past 2 years. Even that useless tw@t Woodman gets selected ahead of him.
I always thought Elliot was OK. Maybe the kicking?
Tony Baloney
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:32 AM
Comment #34Woodman is now 3rd choice for the England U21s. I watched him last year in the Toulouse tournament and saw for the first time that he is overrated and overhyped.
DutchontheToon
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:32 AM
Comment #35For nearly three weeks I’ve read reports from all media suggesting all sorts of fake news. The chronicle has been the worst offender of the lot. Click baiting seems to be their issue of the day and every day. Mr Waugh and Co are a discredit to NUFC. Let’s just wait to see how this all falls into place. If Mr Waugh needs more time to Clean the Sports Direct signs then crack on, making sure you do not get the signs scratched too much in the skips. I certainly have not seen the sheikhs names being removed from Companies house yet. Unless of course Monochrome Is a registered name dealing in photography. I would say “Just wait and see”
jon
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:37 AM
Comment #36BZG said they submitted the paperwor on 24th May, PL/FA won’t have started to look at it until 28th May, peeps, that is only 14 working days ago!
It’s happening
🙂
Tony, time for a drink
🙂
Munster Mag
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:37 AM
Comment #37Rob I haven’t been on much. What was the bombshell (or whatever) by Mickey yesterday? Are things looking less likely now? 🙁
jon
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:37 AM
Comment #38……of tea
DubaiMicky
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:38 AM
Comment #39I watched the women’s world cup earlier – they can’t “park the bus” can they.
Mag :P
Jun 14, 2019 at 10:40 AM
Comment #40Hey dubai mate.
How are things looking mate? I know i can count on you. 🙂