They’re not exactly world beaters, but they could do a lot worse
Following confirmation of Newcastle United’s Saudi takeover, the transfer rumours are coming thick and fast. With the many billions of the Saudi PIF now at the club’s disposal, the rumour mill has kicked into overdrive, despite the transfer window not opening for another three months.
A lot of discussion since the takeover was confirmed has focused on who Newcastle’s ‘Robinho’ signing might be – that is to say their marquee purchase, a statement of intent. Names like Philippe Coutinho and Aaron Ramsey have been chucked into the mix, both of whom could do with a move and would give the Newcastle squad a lift. But according to a report in the Daily Mirror, the Magpies are putting their attention towards taking four unwanted players off Manchester United’s hands.
Donny van de Beek, who was visibly annoyed to have been snubbed yet again during United’s Champions League win over Villarreal almost two weeks ago, is among those players. And you’d think he would be desperate to make the move happen, just to get out of Old Trafford.
Attackers Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard are also reportedly wanted by Newcastle, with both falling down the pecking order in recent years and now facing more competition than ever to get into the United front line.
The fourth player linked with making the switch is centre-back Eric Bailly, whose inconsistent form and fitness levels have seen him drop down to fourth choice centre-back under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Whether or not any of these moves actually happen remains to be seen. It seems unlikely that Manchester United would allow four players all to leave in the same window to the same club given how many games they intend to play this season. But it is undeniable that all of them could do with a move to re-ignite their careers.
