‘Anyone but Newcastle’. That is the reported stance from some Premier League clubs when the transfer window opens in January.
The Telegraph claim that some top flight clubs are so against the Saudi-backed takeover that they will refuse to do business with the Magpies.
They add that some teams would rather Newcastle were relegated than take their money.
That’s a real possibility, with Eddie Howe’s side currently 19th in the Premier League with no wins from their first 11 games. But things will hopefully improve following the arrival of our new manager.
But this report from the Telegraph may dent Howe’s January plans. It’s an extremely petty stance if true. Newcastle have already had issues with other clubs since the takeover went through, with a sponsorship row emerging.
The Premier League is meant to be the most competitive and exciting league in the world. Now some of their clubs don’t want to play ball.
It’s unknown who the clubs are, but it could be anyone. The lower-placed teams won’t want to strengthen a relegation rival, while the bigger clubs will know that Newcastle have the power to become a real contender in the coming years.
If clubs don’t want to do business, Newcastle will have to find other ways to succeed. And I’m sure they will. And clubs may be forced to play ball anyway if their player wants to move to St James’ Park.
That’s the view of a lot of fans, who believe money will talk when the January transfer window opens.