The Saudi Arabian-backed consortium that has reportedly been in talks to buy Newcastle may have changed course and targeted West Ham instead, according to Football Insider.
Guardian Sport reported at the end of January that the Magpies were subject of interest from a consortium led by businesswoman Amanda Staveley, and backed by Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.
Mirror Sport reported more recently though that Bin Salman would prefer to takeover Manchester United, although he does still hold an interest in Newcastle as well.
Now Football Insider claim that growing whispers have suggested that the Saudi group could look to takeover West Ham instead, who like Newcastle, are another club whose supporters have become deeply disenchanted with their current owners.
FI’s report claims that while West Ham would likely cost more than the £340million that Mike Ashley wants for Newcastle, the London location and the club’s impressive financial performances are attractive prospects to potential investors.
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Should Mohammed bin Salman and his consortium purchase West Ham instead of Newcastle, it will be deeply disappointing for many Newcastle supporters. Fan groups have already urged Ashley to sell to the Saudis, while other supporters don’t have any issues with the Saudi group becoming their new owners.
It is unlikely that Ashley will ever be able to rebuild his relationship with the club’s core supporters, and so the correct course of action has to be Ashley relinquishing control, although the Saudis pursuing West Ham instead would throw a spanner in the works.
Newcastle are a big club with a dedicated and passionate fan base, and supporters will have to hope that the club’s potential will be enough to convince an investor into buying the group as soon as possible, whether that is the Saudi consortium or a different party altogether.
