Newcastle United’s arduous takeover saga is still rumbling on well into a fourth month of deliberations, but when might it finally go through?
Earlier in the week, beIN Sports presenter Richard Keys claimed that it will be approved on Friday (tomorrow) though we’ve heard such suggestions a million times before.
When will the takeover happen?
Friday
Before end of July
This summer
Never...
However, Chronicle Live reporter Mark Douglas has shed light into a potential conclusion after he responded to one supporter on Twitter.
He hints that a decision may come “after the games finishing now,” meaning we’re unlikely to hear any official word for at least another two weeks.
Douglas said:
I don't think they know definitively but the word seemed to be yday that it'll be after the games finishing now. Not sure whether what happened yesterday will add to confusion.
— Mark Douglas (@MsiDouglas) July 15, 2020
It’s an interesting claim to make, especially given Keys’ remarks at the start of the week.
However, the latest twist in the tale surrounding Saudi Arabia’s ban of beIN Sports in the country has caused some doubt in the northeast as the nation has effectively stopped people from being able to watch the Premier League legally.
Whether that’s a ploy to launch a bid for the MENA TV rights or not remains to be seen but it certainly is a strange development at this stage of the takeover.
The Magpies have two games left to play, a trip to Brighton before welcoming the champions Liverpool to St James’ Park, then the transfer window is open for business.
We can only hope that a decision is made by then as Douglas alludes to.