There is no reason at all to suggest that Newcastle’s takeover talks aren’t moving towards a positive conclusion.
Considerable time has passed since a bid was first tabled, and things have since gone quiet; but we have come to expect such silence when it comes to business matters.
The latest reports suggest that the overall process is still ongoing, and that the deal is now in the hands of the Premier League.
Financier Amanda Staveley is leading the bid, understood to be worth £300 million, with significant involvement from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and the Reuben Brothers.
The proposed takeover would bring to an end the turbulent reign of current Newcastle chief Mike Ashley, an idea which has already brought great optimism among fans.
More like cautious optimism, given the end of Ashley’s reign has been teased numerous times before.
That cautious optimism will remain throughout the process, until the very moment the deal is confirmed and officially ratified by the Premier League.
But there’s got to be an element patience on that front, because the Premier League have much bigger priorities.
The coronavirus warrants their undivided attention.
Admittedly, the takeover process began before the lockdown commenced, and before the 2019-20 season was postponed.
However, things have clearly escalated.
Countless decisions are still to be made regarding the future of the sport and the future of both the current, and next season.
From a health and safety perspective, football in this country must not resume.
But it’s a business venture at the end of the day, and the financial side inevitably takes over – even if it might seem morally reprehensible.
As such, the Premier League has been working hard to find a safe way for the season to resume in the coming weeks.
Matches behind closed doors at neutral venues, social distancing measures enforced in training, and the use of masks are among the measures discussed at recent meetings.
The futures of players – particularly those whose contracts expire on 30 June – has also been key to discussions.
‘Project Restart’, while it may not seem particularly logical, takes priority over any other dealings – including Newcastle’s takeover bid.
There are also the added controversies that have been raised regarding the good nature of the club’s proposed new owners.
Specifically, the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
Criticism has been levelled at the multiple human rights violations of the prospective owners, as well as their potential use of Newcastle to repair/enhance their reputation despite these concerns.
As such, any decision by the Premier League to ratify the takeover will first need to take into account these allegations/criticisms.
That will take additional time, and like I say, there’s not much time left beyond what has already been allocated to finding an adaptation strategy to the coronavirus crisis.
Still, they’ll be looking to come to a decision at the earliest opportunity; at least to end the uncertainty facing the club from a financial point of view.
The group themselves are confident that a deal can be confirmed shortly.
Patience remains the key for Newcastle fans.
It will all be resolved soon.
A View from a Farr 