Newcastle United’s takeover by a Saudi Arabian-backed consortium is edging very close to completion, according to The Athletic’s George Caulkin.
The ever-reliable Magpies reporter made the bold claim in response to one supporter on Twitter this morning.
How confident are you that the takeover will be approved?
It'll 100% happen
I have some doubts
It'll be rejected
He believes that people in and around the deal, both on the buying side as well as any opposition to it, have received information that hints a decision is coming very soon.
Although he does err on the side of caution by saying that they have been wrong before and that it’s a matter of waiting to see what develops.
He said:
Not news really, just waiting for the PL decision. People close to the buyers but also opponents of the deal have had intelligence that it’s coming very soon, but they’ve also been wrong in the past. Just have to wait.
— George Caulkin (@GeorgeCaulkin) June 24, 2020
The Premier League have been mulling over the owners and directors test for about 12 weeks now, and it seems they may finally be coming to a conclusion at long last.
It’s no surprise to see that the news comes just days after the Saudi kingdom announced a crackdown on their widespread issues of piracy in the country. They’ve pledged to shut down 100s of illicit services that have illegally broadcast sports events like the PL.
Now surely the £300m takeover is a win-win for Newcastle, the top-flight and all those involved as it’s going to bring investment to the UK as well as helping eradicate a huge piracy problem and of course, will hopefully bring joy back to St James’ Park.
But as Caulkin says, only time will tell.