Loads of Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media to reports by Football Insider, claiming the Saudi Arabian consortium interested in buying the club from Mike Ashley could switch attention to taking over at West Ham.
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund emerged as a leading backer in a proposed takeover toward the end of January, which would see Ashley sell his control of the Magpies for slightly less than £350million.
No agreement is yet thought to have been reached between the Sports Direct tycoon and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and sources are said to believe that the group could now look to purchase the Hammers instead amid unrest in East London.
Hundreds of Irons supporters protested against co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold outside the London Stadium in January to mark the 10th anniversary of their time in charge, whilst the club sat two places and a point above the drop zone.
More protests are on the cards during West Ham’s televised clash with Southampton on February 29 and potentially their trip to Liverpool on February 24, as fans seek to have their message heard by a wider audience.
Will Ashley sell the club this season?
Yes
No
The broken promises of Sullivan and Gold could see Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund favour a buy-out of West Ham over Newcastle, given the Irons’ London home, more valuable squad and appeal to potential investors.
Gold and Sullivan would be expected to demand more for West Ham than Ashley is asking for when it comes to his shares in Newcastle.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Football Insider’s claims of doubt arising in Crown Prince bin Salman purchasing the Magpies, and potentially favouring West Ham…
Boycott sjp boycott Asshley.
— 🅿🅸🅽. #⃢ˈ⃢ˈ⃢ˈ⃢ˈ⃢ˈ⃢ˈ⃢ˈ⃢ˈ⃢(. (@Pain_on_g) February 6, 2020
He will never sell it’s a cash cow for him and keeping his other business afloat
— staticlinetattoos (@staticlinetatt1) February 6, 2020
Never a more appropriate Woy GIF. pic.twitter.com/XtMO6jVxxW
— Phil (@Symons_uk) February 6, 2020
Very much doubt we’re talking about cash exchange for the club. There’s a line to draw but they have billions. Most likely related to Ashley retaining stakes and/or ridiculous advertising included. Simply not a willing seller.
— Joe McLaughlan (@Joe__McL) February 6, 2020
May get west ham cheaper once there relegated
— Anderson (@k1ando2) February 6, 2020
https://t.co/slzxBkoC2S.TAKEOVER.
get a grip lads— Michael O’Brien (@micknufc85) February 6, 2020
….Ashley never had any intention of selling.
— Mick.🇬🇧 A free UK. (@MicknDenise1978) February 6, 2020
Big surprise there.
Not happening.
Never were happening.
Never is gonna happen.Same old, same old.
We’re stuck with him for another decade.Now, move on with your lives.
— Danne Med Skägget (@DanneMedSkagget) February 6, 2020
In other Newcastle United news, the club are interested in signing a 24-year-old forward who is averaging 4.3 shots per 90 mins this league season.