Newcastle United: A team in shambles thanks to the Premier League
By Durim Halimi
The takeover of Newcastle United is still pending? Yes, yes it is…
Newcastle United have been all over the place this season, but the team is now officially in crisis mode. Some of you might argue that the crisis began a while ago, but the Premier League has put the Magpies in a difficult situation at a pivotal moment.
Newcastle United fulfilled their objective of avoiding relegation, but what’s next? Another season with the same narrative, or a new chapter with exciting ambitions?
No one really knows thanks to the Premier League’s lack of transparency regarding this takeover.
The paperwork that was signed by Mike Ashley, the Saudi PIF, Amanda Staveley, and the Reuben brothers was submitted in the second week of April.
We are now two weeks away from August and league officials are yet to make a decision. This inactivity is holding Newcastle United back from their Premier League rivals that are preparing for next season.
In 2017, 44 points was enough for Newcastle United to finish the season among the top ten. Fast-forward to this season, the same point total will keep you out of the relegation discussion, but at least 50 points are needed to break into the top half of the table.
Let’s face it, Newcastle United punched above their weight class this season and got lucky with some surprising results against top teams.
Newcastle United have conceded 55 goals through 36 games this season, which is already seven more than last term, and they have allowed their opponents to score three or more goals against them on eight separate occasions. In the final third, Steve Bruce’s men are currently five goals shy of reaching last season’s goal tally (42).
When looking at the stats, the fact that Newcastle United are 13th in the table and well clear of the bottom three is a miracle. It is important to note, however, the same fate will not follow this team in the 2020-21 campaign.
In fact, luck should not be a key factor for the Magpies next season, but at the current rate the Premier League is handling this proposed takeover luck may be needed again.
The teams around Newcastle United will look to improve right away, and many have already conducted transfer business or have identified primary transfer targets.
Meanwhile on Tyneside, Steve Nickson and the scouting department have no guidance entering the transfer window, which will open on July 27th.
Lee Charnley said that it is business as usual at St. James’ Park, but what kind of business can the team and the fans expect to see from an owner who no longer wants to spend a single cent?
Based on what we have seen this season, Newcastle United need two strikers, at least one central defender, two defensive midfielders, and a winger.
So, in total the Magpies need five or six quality signings to walk through the door to improve the quality of the squad and promote internal competition.
In addition to finding new talent in a short amount of time, the front office also have to determine what they will do with current loanees on Tyneside, loanees that will report back to the club, and find suitors for players who are seen as a surplus to demand.
All in all, the Premier League must make a decision quickly. Newcastle United need some guidance and extra time to work with in order to best prepare for next season.