NEWCASTLE UNITED fans could have been forgiven for drawing up shortlist of superstars their club could target after news broke of the Saudi Arabian-backed takeover of the St James’ Park outfit just over a year ago. From being one of the worst-run clubs in the Premier League, the Magpies became the richest overnight. Big signings were widely expected.
While the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Mohamed Salah and Robert Lewandowski, all of whom were linked with Newcastle at one time or another, have yet to pitch up in the Northeast, Eddie Howe has built a team capable of competing near the top of the Premier League. In fact, Newcastle United are turning English football’s ‘Big Six’ into a ‘Big Seven.’
This was underlined by the manner of Newcastle’s performance in their 0-0 draw away to Manchester United on Saturday. While Howe left Old Trafford the happier of the two managers, there was a sense his team had earned what they deserved and could have taken all three points had their finishing been sharper.
Howe was also without arguably his two best attacking threats – Alexander Isak and Allan Saint-Maximin were both unavailable through injury. A full-strength Newcastle United team is now a formidable force with the Magpies suffering just one defeat (away to Liverpool) in 10 Premier League fixtures so far this season.
Over £200m has been spent on new players since the takeover of Newcastle United last year with Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Isak all lured to a club on an upward trajectory. Many expect the Magpies to be challenging for major honours within the next few years. It seems inevitable.
Alexander Isak’s first goal for Newcastle United 🔥 #NUFCpic.twitter.com/HiWkXFlCCA
— The Chronicle (@ChronicleNUFC) August 31, 2022
However, the speed at which Newcastle United have made themselves one of the toughest teams to beat in the Premier League has been remarkable and somewhat unexpected. They have spent money in the transfer market, but Howe is getting the best out of his squad. Under his stewardship, Newcastle are more than the sum of their parts.
“Obviously I’ve been the decision-maker behind where some of that money has gone, and I’ve looked at it purely from a football perspective trying to recruit the best players for Newcastle,” said Howe in a recent interview. “Everyone behind the scenes has done a very good job in terms of putting the building blocks in place for what the club needs for long term success and hopefully we can deliver that.”
Some clubs spend money without any plan – see Everton and their reckless transfer activity since Farhad Moshiri bought the club six years ago. Newcastle United, however, have recognised the need to be smart with their money, appointing former Brighton sporting director to oversee their strategy.
Ashworth has only been in position for a matter of months, so it’s only now that his influence will be felt. This makes it even more impressive that Newcastle United have managed to achieve such an overhaul of the squad, and culture, at St James’ Park during a period of flux. The Magpies now have a platform to push even higher up the Premier League table.
Of course, the Saudi Arabia-backed takeover of Newcastle United prompted many questions with pertinence beyond football and ‘sports-washing’ remains a concern within the sport. This won’t change as long as the St James’ Park club has links to a Saudi Arabian regime which has faced accusations of human rights violations.
From a purely footballing perspective, though, Newcastle United have shown they are more than capable of competing against the very best in the Premier League. One day in the not-so-distant future, the Magpies might finish top of the pile, but for now they can take satisfaction from expanding six to seven.
