Newcastle's £105m investment doubles overnight as transfer plans pay off
Sunday evening brought another milestone in Newcastle’s progression since the PIF backed takeover with three Magpies lining up in an England starting eleven for the first time since 1997.
Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall, and Tino Livramento were the three names to pull on the England jersey against Greece and all three put in excellent performances – with Gordon grabbing his first goal for the Three Lions too.
What made the evening even more satisfying for the club (especially its scouting and recruitment team – take note Paul Mitchell) is that at certain times all three signings have been branded ‘unproven’ or ‘not fit for purpose’ or ‘a plain waste of money.’ Well, the £105m spent on the trio looked like money incredibly well spent on Sunday as their value defacto doubled overnight with the famous English nationality tax in the Premier League.
It's also a huge feather in the cap for our Head Coach Eddie Howe. 12-18 months ago, all three coming in from Everton, Chelsea and Southampton respectively have looked, at various times, either short on fitness, lacking in ability, struggling for game time or simply not in the right environment to develop. However, Howe has played a blinder, particularly with Gordon and Hall, who both looked well short of what is required to play for United in their first six and twelve months respectively, in Black and White.
The club is sending out a loud and clear message to potential signings too – especially if the club/coach continue to look at future England stars. Part in thanks too to the removal of Gareth Southgate as manager, who can no longer play favourites, Newcastle are no longer seen as club where you can’t get an England cap.
England selection should always be achieved on merit of course, but we all saw the clique’s and favourites under the previous manager. Yet, with Thomas Tuchel set to take over the role from January, it isn’t inconceivable that United could contribute four-five players to his first squad selection in what would be a huge stand up and take notice moment for the clubs continued development.
