The lack of transparency and communication from Newcastle United’s owner raises many questions and uncertainty for the club’s future.
After being relegated twice in ten years, the Toon Army have only experienced disappointment under Mike Ashley’s careless regime. In addition to the Newcastle United supporters, Rafa Benitez is also suffering from the cheap mentality of the club’s owner.
A sense of optimism was brewing on Tyneside with frequent takeover negotiations occurring between Mike Ashley and Amanda Staveley. However, Ashley abruptly brought those negotiations to an unexpected halt.
Ever since then, no further reports have been published regarding new takeover discussions. This lack of transparency and indecisiveness only creates more uncertainty regarding the club’s future. Benitez has a clear, gradual vision for the Magpies, but that agenda will be hindered the longer Ashley claims control over Newcastle United.
The uncertainty that Ashley has created on Tyneside makes supporters fearful of even being optimistic for the club going forward. With that being said, a key question that needs to be answered is when will Mike Ashley sell Newcastle United?
Key Factor: EPL Survival
The sale of Newcastle United will be largely dependent on the Magpies’ final standing in the Premier League. If Newcastle were to go down to the Championship, Ashley would either remain the owner of the club or he would significantly lower his asking price.
If the Magpies achieve top-flight survival, the club would surely attract multiple prospective buyers. The good news for Benitez and the Toon Army is that Newcastle are on track to avoid relegation this season.
The players and the coaching staff have done their jobs this season by promoting Newcastle’s stability as they currently sit 13th in the table. At the end of the season, supporters can only hope that greed does not blind Ashley when it comes to takeover negotiations.
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New Perspective
There is, however, another way to perceive Newcastle’s battle for survival this season. I do not mean to cause any panic with my next statement, but what if Ashley refuses to sell the club? The potential reasoning behind this decision could be that Ashley thinks the club is better than it truly is.
Newcastle are often referred to as a Championship side playing in the Premier League, but Benitez’s men have played well in 2018. As crazy as this may sound, this success could alter Ashley’s decision to sell the club.
The results that Benitez has earned with a young and inexpensive roster are impressive. However, if nothing changes over the summer, Newcastle will be relegation favorites next season. Benitez and supporters are desperate for regime change and avoiding relegation this season should improve those odds.