Newcastle has been linked with many players so far in this transfer window, but it is unlikely any will be signed until the takeover is finalised one way or the other.
The Sun has reported the Bin Zayed Group expect the deal to be complete by the end of the month, but there has been no official update as of yet. The other situation muddying the waters is the contract issue with Rafa Benitez.
His current deal expires at the end of June, therefore, it would be difficult to allow him to sign players when he may be walking come July the 1st.
It is not an ideal situation would be an understatement but new players are required at St James’ Park. Two first-choice players have left, with Rondon returning to West Brom and Mo Diame having been released, and according to the Mirror, Sean Longstaff could also be leaving if he signs for Manchester United.
That would leave an already depleted and average squad even worse. Newcastle has players they could utilise in the form of the attack, but it is a ball-winning midfielder they really need.
According to Whoscored.com Diame was Newcastle’s second-best player in terms of tackles per game with 2.7, only just short of Isaac Hayden with 2.9. The other senior central midfielders left in the squad fall well below that figure, with Jonjo Shelvey on 1.4 and Ki Sung-Yueng only managing 0.8.
When compared to, what some would class as a similar club in terms of stature, Everton, the figures sound even worse. Idrissa Gueye racks up 4 per game, with James McCarthy on 2 and Tom Davies and Morgan Schneiderlin both achieving 1.7.
It is in this area Newcastle will need reinforcements if the takeover goes through with time to purchase new players then all well and good, but if the deal collapses the Magpies could be in trouble.