Newcastle United are a very different club nowadays, as they celebrate their four-year anniversary of the PIF takeover.
On 7th October 2021, PIF bought Newcastle United from Mike Ashley. The deal ushered in a new era of hope and ambition on Tyneside, as fans prepared for change.
The first big change saw Eddie Howe replace Steve Bruce as Newcastle United manager, but plans for the future were already being formulated before a new gaffer was appointed.
Amanda Staveley and co knew they needed to act in the transfer market, otherwise the club they had worked so hard to buy was going to be relegated from the Premier League.
Amid that fear, two new signings were immediately identified. However, neither would actually arrive at St James’ Park.
The two players Newcastle United were expected to buy after the PIF takeover
In the immediate aftermath of the PIF takeover, there were a million and one transfer rumours linking players with a move to Newcastle United.
However, the first concrete rumour came on 9th October 2021.
The Telegraph reported that Newcastle United were interested in signing James Tarkowski from Burnley and Jesse Lingard from Manchester United.
They were two sensible targets, and very different to the fantasy signings of Kylian Mbappe and Gareth Bale that had been hyped up by the tabloids.
It was an early indication of the approach the new Newcastle United owners would take, but neither player would actually arrive at St James’ Park.
Burnley decided they would not sell Tarkowski as they battled to stay in the Premier League, while Man United denied Lingard the chance to move to Tyneside. The Red Devils demanded far too much money, which ultimately forced the attacking midfielder to stay at Old Trafford.
Where are Jesse Lingard and James Tarkowski now?
Both Tarkowski and Lingard probably would have thrived at St James’ Park, particularly under Eddie Howe. However, they have gone on to have very different careers.
After staying at Burnley, Tarkowski would eventually join Everton on a free transfer in the summer of 2022. He has been exceptional for the Toffees, ensuring they avoided relegation to the Championship on multiple occasions.
Tarkowski looked like he would be Mr Reliable for Newcastle United, but instead he took on that role at Everton.
As for Lingard, his career has taken him to South Korea, more than 5,000 miles away from St James’ Park. After a failed spell at Nottingham Forest, the England international moved to the other side of the world in February 2024.
Having endured a difficult start to his career with FC Seoul and receiving criticism from his manager, Lingard has turned things around at his new club.
At the age of 32, he is now the FC Seoul captain. He scored seven goals and provided three assists this season, as FC Seoul finished fifth in the 2025 K League.
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