It doesn’t seem like that long ago since the European, and indeed wider World, media were hyping Newcastle United’s rise to prominence.
Of course, the Saudi funding played a big part in the coverage but it wasn’t all about that, and it was felt like Eddie Howe was doing a great job. The feel-good factor around the club helped the squad play perhaps beyond their usual abilities and Champions League football was secured.
Newcastle United suddenly became a much more attractive prospect for players looking for new clubs, and there was a belief they’d kick on and perhaps even become challengers in UEFA’s elite competition.
Now the Magpies related stories aren’t so positive. Today, we covered an article from German magazine SportBild which said Leroy Sane had scoffed at the idea of a move there after Newcastle links appeared.
The Spanish newspaper has a big column which is titled: ‘Newcastle – Rich people who cry’
Mundo Deportivo explain, to a Spanish audience, that the Saudi takeover brought a wave of optimism to St James’ Park, which has now somewhat diluted.
Financial rules and failure to qualify for the Champions League has meant double trouble for the Magpies and their plans for the future.
It’s stated: ‘The Arab investors have not put up the promised money to continue growing. There is a reason that justifies it: losses of 170 million, which even threatened this summer with the forced sale of some of the team’s stars to comply with the Premier League’s PSR sustainability standards. That was avoided.’
Further dramas relating to how the takeover was approved get a mention, and it’s claimed ‘the supporters are wondering where their club is heading’.
As for as Mundo Deportivo understand it, ‘initial euphoria’ has faded, both for supporters and the club’s owners.
