On Thursday, the Premier League officially confirmed that the takeover of Newcastle United by the Saudi-led group from previous owner Mike Ashley has been completed. The League added that it has received legally binding assurances that the Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia will not control the club.
Manager Steve Bruce is set to leave the club as the new ownership reportedly looks to replace the veteran manager ahead of the first game following the takeover, but there is no clarity regarding the matter as of yet.
In an interview with Sky Sports News, Bruce observed that the new owners could be looking for a new coach and that he was aware that his position at the club could likely be in jeopardy:
“I’m happy for the club that this has gone through. It’s a great night for the fans, I’m delighted for them. I want to continue [as manager] but I have to be realistic. I’m not stupid and aware what could happen with new owners.
I don’t have any plans to speak to Amanda(Staveley) that I’m aware of. If I don’t make 1,000 games against the Spurs – you might say that can only happen to me. It’s not cruel, it’s just football.”
said the former England centre-back, who could perhaps complete 1000 games in charge of Spurs,
The Daily Telegraph have also reported that Bruce could receive an £8 million pay-out, in case his contract is terminated.
Sky Sports News have also reported that it is extremely unlikely that Bruce would remain in charge for the game against Spurs on October 17.
Assistant manager Graeme Jones is likely to be in charge of Newcastle’s first game over Spurs after the Premier League returns to action after the international break. Current Brighton manager Graham Potter is also one of the names who could potentially replace Steve Bruce at St.James’ Park.
Former Chelsea coach Frank Lampard and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard are also among the names tipped to replace Bruce. The new owners of the club apparently are interested in signing Italian coach Antonio Conte, who left Inter earlier this year after winning the Scudetto, but the superstar coach is likely to refuse an offer to join Newcastle.
Former Shakhtar Donetsk and AS Roma manager Paulo Fonseca, who could not come to terms with Spurs over a managerial position, is also one of the names doing the rounds in the press.
All-time Premier League top-scorer and Newcastle legend Alan Shearer is set to take up an ambassadorial role at the club, and will also perform an advisory role to the new owners.
A whole host of players have been linked with a January move to Newcastle as well, with the club reportedly being interested in signing Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, although they could face competition from the likes of Juventus and Tottenham.
Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski and Jesse Lingard, who recently completed a loan spell for West Ham, is also among the names in Newcastle’s reported “shopping list” for the January transfer window.
Supporters of the club are desperate for the club to sign Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey, as per reports. Out-of-favour Barcelona man Philippe Coutinho has been offered to the club by the Brazilian’s representatives, as per The Daily Mirror. Recently retired Senegalese striker Demba Ba has apparently offered to come out of retirement and play for Newcastle.
January’s transfer window will be an exciting time for Newcastle supporters, as they will get a glimpse of what is to come from the new owners in the future.
