Newcastle United ‘aspire to imitate’ Atlético Madrid’s sporting model, according to AS.
The Magpies have received fresh financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund [PIF]
It’s claimed the Tyneside club’s new owners have thought of bringing the La Liga winners’ director of football, Andrea Berta, for the same role. They are hopeful Berta’s possible arrival can see them use his help to convince Diego Simeone over a move to St James’ Park.
Manchester United contacted Berta and even submitted a proposal to bring him to Old Trafford. He preferred to continue at Wanda Metropolitano, where he is comfortable and was convinced the club could titles, as happened last season.
The PIF have been trying to acquire the English club for more than a year, but were only successful earlier this month. The report states they approached Berta’s environment 18 months ago, to probe his availability.
For now, it is ‘very complicated’ to see Berta leave the Spanish champions for Newcastle and also for Simeone to ‘embark’ a new journey in England.
The Argentine coach has a high salary, which wouldn’t be an issue for the Premier League side’s new owners to match.
There’s belief Simeone is unlikely to accept a proposal from Newcastle because he has a contract until 2024 and his desire is to win La Liga and the Champions League with Atlético.
Getting Berta would likelier be easier than Simeone, but even that would be difficult.
