The Newcastle United takeover saga feels like it has been going on forever.
It’s been more than a year since Amanda Staveley returned to the table, backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund and the Reuben Brothers.
While football was put on hold last year, all the talk at Newcastle was about what was happening off the pitch.
It looked like a deal was going to be done. It looked as though the reign of Mike Ashley was coming to an end.
But on July 30th, Saudi Arabia withdrew from the deal. The owners and directors test had gone on long enough, with no end in sight.
However, that didn’t mean a deal was dead.
It’s now six months since the withdrawal, and Toon fans eagerly await the conclusion of Newcastle’s legal battle against the Premier League.
According to The Athletic, it is hoped that arbitration could be completed this month.
We don’t know what will happen in the coming weeks and months, but another report from The Athletic suggests that a Saudi collapse might not mean the takeover stories stop.
Joseph DaGrosa could reportedly look at Newcastle
The Athletic claim that US investor Joseph DaGrosa is looking to buy Southampton. However, he is being put off by the club’s asking price.
According to The Athletic, DaGrosa could turn to Newcastle, West Ham or Crystal Palace if he’s unable to pull off a deal for the Saints.
Obviously this doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. But it is a suggestion that there is interest in Newcastle outside of PCP Capital Partners.
Most Toon fans want the Saudi-led takeover to happen – but that doesn’t mean it will.
If Newcastle’s legal battle ends in disappointment, there will be outrage on Tyneside.
However, the fact that DaGrosa is reportedly considering Newcastle as an alternative proves that there are other options.
If the PCP deal isn’t revived, that doesn’t necessarily mean we will be stuck with Ashley.
In an ideal world, arbitration will bring good news and a deal can be done. But it’s good to know there are other interested parties out there.
Speaking of which, what ever happened to Henry Mauriss?
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