Relegation is the last word Newcastle United fans want to hear, especially since they have experienced the pain and frustration that comes with it twice since 2009. For now, the Magpies are still in the driver’s seat, but 18th-placed Fulham are only three points behind.
Luckily for Newcastle United, multiple relegation rivals face much more difficult schedules to conclude the season, but in the end that means nothing if the Toon do not handle business against teams they should beat over the next few weeks.
Relegation would be a major setback for this club on multiple fronts. Every key player would seek an exit, such as Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron, and Martin Dubravka. More than half the team would need to be replaced.
That is all bad news, but the worst part of it all would be that any hope of a takeover would be dead in the water. Some might argue that being in the Championship would make Newcastle United more affordable, which is true, but here are a few reasons why a takeover would not happen.
A takeover of Newcastle United is only possible if they stay in the Premier League.
When speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Kieran Maguire, author of The Price of Football, made some valid points regarding the impact relegation would have on a potential takeover of Newcastle United. In short, fans should forget the “T” word if the team is knocked out of the top flight.
Maguire believes that owner Mike Ashley would have to lower his asking price from £300m to £200m in the Championship. Seeing how adamant the business tycoon has been about ensuring that his asking price is met, there is no chance of a major price reduction happening.
In that scenario, Ashley takes the club off the market until promotion is achieved, which also is not a guarantee.
In the case that Ashley has truly had enough of Newcastle United and decides to sell for a third of his original asking price, it would be a major shock if someone came forward with an offer. Why a shock if the price is now around £200m?
The simple answer is that every other club around them in the second tier would be available at much lower prices. That statement is even true for most Premier League clubs outside the top six as well.
That being said, why would investors look to spend £200m when they can achieve the same goal by purchasing a club at a fraction of that cost? Yes, that is a dark outlook, but that could happen if the Toon go down.
The ultimate hope is that Newcastle United will stay up. This season has been a complete waste, but I am of the opinion that there is enough talent and experience in this squad to avoid relegation and see the season through around 14th or 15th in the table.