The takeover of Newcastle
Mike Ashley put Newcastle United up for sale in 2018. In October 2021 The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund put in a bid to takeover Newcastle for $409 million. After multiple conversations between The Magpies and the Premier League, the latter allowed them to buy the club. Ashley made a profit of £60 million after selling the side in 2021. Newcastle became the richest club to be taking over in the Premier League in 2021 due to Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.
Choice in manager
When Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund took over, Steve Bruce was manager of Newcastle. That only lasted 13 days as he was sacked after losing to Tottenham Hotspur. The new owners wanted a new manager and turned to former AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe.
It was confirmed in November 2021 that Howe signed a three-year contract to become the new Newcastle manager. At that time, Howe becoming the Tyneside club’s new gaffer seemed logical as he did well when managing Bournemouth in the Premier League. Howe missed his first match as coach against Brentford due to covid.
First couple of months for Newcastle under Howe
Howe finally made his Newcastle debut on the touchline against Arsenal in November 2021. His new side won by a score line of 1-0 against Burnley on 4th December 2021. Newcastle conceded seven goals against Manchester City and Liverpool later that month, but kept their best result to the end of the month. They then earned a deserved draw against Manchester United. Newcastle was 19th in the table after their 1-1 draw with Manchester United on 27th December.
The January transfer window
Howe was backed by new owners as Newcastle bought five players in 2022 January Transfer Window. They spent £85 million which included bringing Burnley striker Chris Wood & Athletic Madrid defender Kieran Trippier to St James Park. Newcastle won 12 games from January to May 2022, including their final home game 2-0 against Arsenal.
Newcastle finished the 2021/2022 Premier League in 11th place with 49 points. A combination of hard work and new signings made the difference in Newcastle finishing nearer to top ten than the relegation zone at the end of the 2021/2022 season.
Off-season spending
Howe was backed again with funds in the 2022 Summer Transfer Window as Newcastle spent £123 million on new signings. The Magpies splashed the cash on striker Alexander Isak (from Real Sociedad) for £63 million and Sven Botman (Lille) for £35 million. They also bought experienced Premier League players in Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope for £10 million and Aston Villa defender Matt Targett for £15 million. That showed a serious statement of intent with their aspirations for 2022/2023 Premier League by signing these players.
Solid start to the 2022/23 season
Newcastle started the 2022/2023 Premier League season with a 2-0 home win against Nottingham Forest. They backed up their performance against Forest with a valuable point against Brighton & Hove Albion away from home. Their first test of the season came against Manchester City and Newcastle went 3-1 ahead thanks to a remarkable free-kick by Trippier.
The Magpies had to settle for a draw but it showed how far they have come since Howe took over as boss. Newcastle have been in fantastic form since they played Man City despite narrowly losing out 2-1 to Liverpool. They then scored nine goals in two games against Fulham and Brentford to further show their improvement.
Newcastle played three Premier League games against Man United, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. They were unlucky not to beat United as they should have received a penalty for a foul on Callum Wilson. They backed up their draw with a home win 1-0 against Frank Lampard’s Everton. Newcastle traveled to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and went ahead after a controversial goal from Wilson. It was the right decision to award the goal and got better for Magpies as they went 2-0 nil up after 40 minutes.
Well-positioned in the top 4
Newcastle went in the top four of the Premier League with 21 points after hanging on to win 2-1 against Spurs. The Magpies have kicked on since, scoring eight goals in their last two games. Howe has transformed the side as Miguel Almiron has scored eight goals and Wilson has scored six goals so far. If Wilson continues to score, he should be on the plane for 2022 World Cup with England.
