Guillem Balague has been giving his verdict on Newcastle United’s ongoing takeover talks with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which would see the club bought for £300m.
The Guardian reported on Tuesday that UEFA and FIFA have intensely scrutinised the findings from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) that revealed Saudi Arabia were in reach of piracy rules concerning beoutQ – but not directly responsible.
The kingdom leader Mohammed bin Salman, who is also involved with PIF, is looking to take an 80% share of the Tyneside club. The fact that he was aware of such acts going on could be a major blow to the Magpies’ purchase.
Despite this, the Sky Sports expert provided a positive spin that will excite the St James’ Park faithful.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Balague expects the Saudi-backed bid to go through, regardless of the WTO’s findings.
How will the Premier League rule on the Saudi takeover?
Accept it
Reject it
“The new Newcastle, when everything gets confirmed and I expect it to be confirmed, to be honest from everything I am reading and from everything I am hearing,” he said.
“From what I have been asking, the consensus is that the Premier League will be given approval and accept the bid. If that is the case, then Newcastle are about to enter a new era.”
The fans have been made to wait long enough for any news regarding the takeover. With the summer transfer window closing in, it could be a case of ‘from rags to riches’.
For sure, this is a hopeful update for the Toon Army to digest. Although it is not anything concrete, such a response from a well-respected journalist could be a momentum boost that the fans need at this time.