The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Newcastle

  • Newcastle cleared to sign Saudi Pro League players

    Newcastle cleared to sign Saudi Pro League players

    Newcastle will be permitted to sign players on loan from the Saudi Pro League in January after a vote by Premier League clubs on a temporary ban on related-party loans did not receive the support required to be introduced.

    Thirteen clubs voted in favour of the temporary block on loan moves between teams under the same ownership.

    That was one short of the total number needed for it to be implemented.

    The Premier League was understood to be in favour of introducing the ban.

    It means Newcastle United, for instance, could sign players from clubs also owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

    Newcastle, whose £305m Saudi Arabian-backed takeover was completed in October 2021, have been linked with a move for former Wolves captain Ruben Neves from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

    The ban was proposed as a temporary measure until a concrete solution could be agreed before the summer transfer window.

    It was only set to apply to incoming loans, not outgoing.

    PIF, which provided 80% of funds for the Newcastle takeover, took over four of the leading Saudi Arabian clubs in June – Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad.

    Asked in November whether he would consider signing players from Saudi Arabia if allowed, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said he was “open to signing anyone if they are good enough”.

    Read Also: Newcastle can be world’s biggest club, says Howe

    Other high-profile former Premier League players currently at PIF-owned clubs include Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Roberto Firmino (Al-Ahli), Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr) and Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli).

    But it is a a potential January move for 26-year-old Neves – who joined Al-Hilal for £47m in June – which could help the Magpies fill the midfield gap created by Sandro Tonali’s 10-month ban for breaching betting rules.

    PIF, which is governed by Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, have assets of £250bn – making Newcastle one of the richest clubs in the world.

  • UCL: Dominant Newcastle roar to home victory over PSG

    UCL: Dominant Newcastle roar to home victory over PSG

    The French champions – including superstar Kylian Mbappe – found the atmosphere and intensity on and off the pitch just too much as Eddie Howe’s side secured a richly-deserved win in Newcastle’s first home game in Europe’s elite competition since a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in March 2003.

    The Toon Army had already transformed St. James’ Park into four walls of black and white even before Miguel Almiron sent them wild by giving them a 17th-minute lead after PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma could only palm out Alexander Isak’s shot, as Marquinhos was punished for carelessly conceding possession.

    Read Also: UCL: Chukwueze denied as Newcastle hold Milan

    It was to prove an eventful night for Italy keeper Donnarumma, who tried in vain to claw out Dan Burn’s towering header six minutes before half-time. The ball had already crossed the line but Newcastle still had to wait for a video assistant referee check for offside before the celebrations could begin.

    Donnarumma was a central figure again as Newcastle went three up five minutes after the break, the goalkeeper’s poor attempt at a block allowing Sean Longstaff’s powerful shot from an angle to creep in.

    PSG’s threats were rare but they did pull one back after 56 minutes through Lucas Hernandez’s header – but this was Newcastle’s night from start to finish.

    Swiss centre-back Fabian Schar added the icing on the cake in stoppage time as he curled a stunning shot past Donnarumma from the edge of the box into the top corner to make it 4-1.

    The three points, added to an opening draw away to AC Milan, mean Newcastle go top of Group F.

  • FA charges Van Dijk after Newcastle red card

    FA charges Van Dijk after Newcastle red card

    Virgil van Dijk has been charged by the Football Association for acting in an “improper manner” after being sent off in Liverpool’s win at Newcastle.

    The Liverpool captain was shown a straight red card in the 29th minute at St James’ Park on Sunday for fouling Newcastle forward Alexander Isak.

    The defender appeared to argue with referee John Brooks while the incident was reviewed by VAR.

    The FA says it is alleged Van Dijk used “abusive and/or insulting words”.

    “Virgil van Dijk has been charged with a breach of FA rule E3.1 following Liverpool’s Premier League game against Newcastle United on Sunday, 27 August,” said the FA in a statement.

    “It’s alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official after being sent off in the 29th minute.”

    The 32-year-old Netherlands centre-back, who also appeared to argue with the fourth official before making his way down the tunnel, has until Friday to respond to the charge.

    Currently, Van Dijk will serve a one-match ban for the initial red card and miss Liverpool’s next game against Aston Villa on Sunday.

    Read Also: Van Dijk sympathises with Mane

    The charge comes after referees’ chief Howard Webb said he was “determined” officials would not “turn a blind eye” to bad behaviour from players and coaches this season.

    The incident occurred three minutes after Liverpool went behind to Anthony Gordon’s opening goal and with the visitors under pressure in the game.

    Darwin Nunez came off the bench to score twice late on and hand Liverpool a 2-1 victory to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

    BBC

  • Nunez leads 10-man Liverpool to comeback win at Newcastle

    Nunez leads 10-man Liverpool to comeback win at Newcastle

    Darwin Nunez struck two late goals to complete a remarkable turnaround and give ten-man Liverpool a dramatic victory against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

    Liverpool were battling against the odds and second best for much of a thrilling encounter, falling behind to Anthony Gordon’s 25th-minute goal after he cashed in on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s mistake, then seeing captain Virgil van Dijk sent off for a foul on Alexander Isak three minutes later.

    Read Also: Liverpool to appeal against Mac Allister red card

    Alisson kept Liverpool in it by miraculously turning Miguel Almiron’s shot on to the woodwork in the first half, the forward also hitting the post after the break, before Uruguayan striker Nunez was introduced to stunning effect.

    Nunez ran through to rifle a shot past Newcastle keeper Nick Pope with nine minutes left, then took Mohamed Salah’s pass in his stride three minutes into stoppage time before applying an equally emphatic finish to give Liverpool an astonishing win.

  • Tammy Abraham to earn £50,000 per week in improved contract

    Nigeria born England international Tammy Abraham is on the verge of landing a boost on his Chelsea contract it has been revealed.

    The 21 year old who made his Three Lions debut in their 2-1 loss to Czech Republic in the Euro Qualifiers is about to get his per week wage shot up to £50,000.

    Abraham has been prolific for the Blues this season netting nine goals in 11 appearances and the reviewed contract is seen as a reward for hard work.

    Marcos Alonso celebrates after scoring for Chelsea Saturday

    Abraham’s contract officially expires in June 2022 but Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano scooped that a new one is in the pipeline.

    “Chelsea are “close to an agreement” and “more than confident” to extend Tammy Abraham contract. Totally confirmed,” he wrote on Twitter.

    Some football pundits insinuate that the deal could be a calculated attempt at chasing away eagle eyed suitors who may be ready to make a dash for him at the next transfer window.

    Tammy came close to increasing his goal tally on Saturday when he sent a cross in front of goal above the bar in Chelsea’s clash with visiting Newcastle.

    The Blues nonetheless ran away with a lone goal and three points into the kitty. Marcos Alonso’s 73rd minute goal was all the Stamford Bridge landlords needed to seal victory.

     

     

     

  • Ashley turns down £250m insists on £300m

    Ashley turns down £250m insists on £300m

     

    Mike Ashley will not New accept Amanda Staveley’s offer of £250million for Newcastle United, Sportsmail understands.

    Financier Staveley and PCP Capital Partners made formal their approach for the Premier League club two weeks ago.

    Reports emerged on Tuesday suggesting they have set a two-week deadline for Ashley’s response, although we have been told the offer is not acceptable and no such deadline has been set.

    However, we believe Ashley would be willing to listen to a new offer in the region of £300m – especially if it contains no clauses – giving hope that a deal could yet be struck.

    There appears to be a stand-off between the two parties at present and the chances of a takeover being completed before Christmas have faded in the past fortnight.

    There is, though, a willingness from Ashley to sell and Staveley and her Middle East and Chinese investment fund are very keen to buy.

    But we understand they will have to return with a new offer if there is to be progress. It is thought that Staveley and her group are the only party in the running for the club.

    Current Newcastle owner Mike Ashley put the club up for sale in October and wants a sale complete by the start of 2018.

    The report suggests the next week is pivotal for the bid with Staveley and her partners said to be offering all of the money up front rather than in instalments as Ashley suggested.

    It is believed Ashley wants around $500 million for Newcastle, the club he bought in 2007 for $180 million.

    The businessman, a lifelong Newcastle fan, has seen the Magpies relegated from the Premier League twice during his 10 years as owner but they’ve been promoted back to the PL at the first time of asking on both occasions, including last season.

    Newcastle finished fifth in the Premier League in 2012-13 but with Rafael Benitez’s side currently in 15th spot in the PL, just five points above the relegation zone; Ashley wants to sell the club now to help the Magpies reach the next level as he can no longer put any of his own money into the club for new transfers.

    The much-maligned owner is holding out to get what he feels he deserves after a decade of criticism from the fans over the way he has run the club.

  • Newcastle receive near £300m takeover bid

    Newcastle receive near £300m takeover bid

     

    MIKE ASHLEY could be out of Newcastle by Christmas after the club received a near £300m bid from Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners.

    The Toon owner put the Magpies up for sale last month and Staveley quickly emerged as the frontrunner, acting on behalf of the mega-rich Middle East Company.

    The two parties have been in talks for several weeks though within St James’ Park, the feeling was that negotiations could stretch into the New Year.

    Now sources at St James’ Park have confirmed PCP Capital Partners have tabled a formal bid and are seeking “exclusively on talks.”

    The ball is now firmly in Ashley’s court and he must decide whether to accept the bid which is understood to be well below the price he is demanding.

    Ashley values Newcastle, he bought a decade ago, in the region of £400m.

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    THE Premier League is one of the most popular football competitions in the world, and club owners certainly take advantage of some fans.

    The sports retail magnate bought the club off Sir John Hall, his son Douglas and the late Freddy Shepherd for £133m in 2007 and latest accounts suggest he has since put in £129m in interest-free loans.

    But during his time at the helm, Newcastle have been relegated twice, costing them millions of pounds in TV revenue and Ashley has been hugely unpopular with the Toon Army.

    Though any bid in excess of £262m would give him a profit, there is no indication that Ashley will accept the bid.

    While it has now been confirmed a bid is on the table, talks are set to continue until agreement is reached.

  • Mike Ashley to sell Newcastle before Christmas

    Mike Ashley to sell Newcastle before Christmas

     

    Mike Ashley has officially announced his intention to sell Newcastle and his lawyer has confirmed that he is keen to conclude a sale before Christmas.

    Ashley took over at St James’ Park in 2007 after paying around £134m to acquire 100 per cent of the club’s shares but revealed in August that he was unable to compete with owners at the likes of Manchester City.

    Now, in an interview with Sky Sports, Andrew Henderson of Dentons, who is the lawyer for Ashley’s company St James’ Holdings, said there was a feeling that “all that can be done has been done” and that it may be time for a change going forward.

    “There has obviously been a lot of press speculation about Mike’s intentions towards the club. I think that there is a view that over the years there has been a considerable investment, perhaps a feeling that all that can be done has been done,” Henderson told Sky Sports.

    “So it is probably just a recognition that it might be time for a change.

    “Our intentions at the moment are to see if the club can be brought forward into new ownership by potentially Christmas.

    Newcastle owner Mike Ashley says he doesn’t have the financial might to compete with the likes of Manchester City in the Premier League transfer market.

    “That would allow for a period for serious interested parties to put themselves forward, for a diligence process to carry on, and then hopefully by Christmas for a sale to conclude with the sort of flexibility around terms we have discussed.

    “If that weren’t possible then there is no desire to sell the club for any price to anyone. There is a lot of responsibility that goes with owning the football club so we would then look at that at the relevant time.

    “That’s the objective but nobody has a crystal ball so nobody can say for sure what happens and when.”

    Henderson also confirmed that there is an opportunity for those who are perhaps interested in acquiring the club to potentially buy over a period of time.

  • Shearer leads tribute as Shepherd passes on

    Shearer leads tribute as Shepherd passes on

     

    Newcastle great Alan Shearer led tributes Tuesday as former chairman of the Club Freddy Shepherd passed on

    Shepherd died “peacefully at his home” on Monday, his family have confirmed.

    Born in 1941, Shepherd, along with John Hall, helped the north-east club secure Premier League status in 1993 and was pivotal in attracting Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer to join during his time at St James’ Park.

    The businessman – who was awarded the freedom of the city of Newcastle earlier this year – sold his share of the club to Mike Ashley in 2007 after a 10-year stint as chairman.

    “Freddy Shepherd, former chairman of Newcastle United and chairman of Shepherd Offshore Group and Triple S Sports & Entertainment Group, sadly passed away peacefully at his home last night,” the family announced in a statement.

    We are saddened to hear of the passing of former Newcastle United chairman, Freddy Shepherd. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

    “At this difficult time the family have asked that their privacy be respected and all media enquiries should be directed to Mark Whittle of Triple S Communications.”

    Shearer led the tributes to his “great friend” on social media, thanking Shepherd for bringing him back to his home city in 1996 for a world-record fee of £15million.

    So sad to hear my great friend and former @NUFC chairman Freddy Shepherd has passed away. I owe him a huge debt for bringing me home. RIP

  • Team-mates hold memorial service for Tiote in China

    Team-mates hold memorial service for Tiote in China

     

    Team-mates from past and present gathered for Cheick Tiote’s memorial service on Tuesday following the former Newcastle United player’s shock death earlier in June.

    Tiote died while training with Chinese club Beijing Enterprises, and well wishers were given an opportunity to pay their respects to the midfielder during the Beijing service.

    The Ivorian’s former Toon team-mate Papiss Cisse was in attendance and couldn’t fight back the tears as he paid tribute to Tiote.

    ‘I lived some extraordinary moments with this man and today he’s gone,’ Cisse said at the memorial.

    The 30-year-old’s body will be flown back to Ivory Coast on Wednesday before a private funeral service is held.

    Members of his family, as well as his agent Emanuele Palladino, flew out to China following the shock announcement of his death after he had collapsed while training.

    They await the results of a post-mortem, but a suspected heart attack appears the likely cause at this stage.

    The news sent shock-waves around the football world and prompted a tide of tributes, most notably from former managers Steve McClaren and Alan Pardew.

    With Tiote’s passing coming just little under two months after former Aston Villa defender Ugo Ehiogu died of a cardiac arrest, Andy Cole has questioned whether more could be done to protect players from heart problems.

    ‘If someone is only 30 and they pass away, the question that is naturally going to be asked is ‘Why? What’s gone on there? Why has he passed away so early?”, Cole told BBC Radio Five Live.

    ‘It’s a strange one. Cheick Tiote hadn’t been in China that long – a few months – so he must have had a medical to complete the transfer. Was nothing picked up in that medical?

    ‘Is anything actually being done? Is it being looked into? We need to nail it down and get to the bottom of why and what it is, because it seems to be happening to more and more professional footballers – fit, strong men.’