Amanda Staveley & Saudis now aware of £50m hit at NUFC - Mike Ashley's response could be key..
According to the Chronicle, Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium have become aware of a potential £50million drop in Newcastle United's value following the COVID-19 crisis - something that could become an obstacle in any potential takeover.
As revealed by detailed database Transfermarkt - a website that estimates the valuation of players and clubs across the world - our squad worth has come down considerably as a result of the current global pandemic.
Recent figures suggest Newcastle United is worth £221million, which is £50million less than before the coronavirus pandemic - yet the Chronicle state that Mike Ashley 'doesn't seem in the mood' to lower his price tag:
"The Amanda Staveley brokered and reportedly Saudi-backed consortium will have noted the latest set of figures from Transfermarkt – the industry leaders in player and club valuations – which now value Newcastle at £221million, some £50million less than before the coronavirus pandemic
"Ashley, for his part, doesn’t seem in the mood to lower his (asking price) off the back of what is happening."
Mike Ashley bought the club for around £130million in 2007, but cleared the clubs debt for about the same fee. This ‘act of kindness’, however, is owed back to himself in an interest-free loan should the club ever be sold.
Would he be demanding £300-350million plus his interest free loan on top? After the money he’s already made off the club over the past 12 years? It wouldn’t surprise me!
Mike Ashley isn’t stupid either, certainly not in a business sense anyways, and knows that this ‘£50million hit’ will bounce back as soon as the Premier League resumes to action, so you can sort of see where he’s coming from there.
Some clarity for the supporters would be ideal, but as usual, communication from the club regarding a takeover has been zero!
