Manchester United, Tottenham and Everton were among three Premier League clubs who were the ‘most angry’ at the takeover of Newcastle, according to stunning reports.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is chaired by Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, led the consortium to purchase Newcastle.
And the Saudi Arabian-backed takeover was completed last week for a staggering £300m, which ended Mike Ashley’s 14-year ownership of Newcastle.
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The Premier League approved the takeover after receiving “legally binding assurances” that Saudi Arabia would not control the Premier League club.
However, concerns have been raised over Saudi Arabia ‘sportswashing’ the country’s awful track record on human rights and abuses.
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According to The Daily Mail, insiders have claimed that United, Spurs and Everton were the ‘most vocal on the call, with a belief among others that their anger centred around the prospect of increased competition for Champions League places.’
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The newspaper added that the aforementioned trio of Premier League clubs were ‘worried’ and were the ‘most angry’ at the takeover being allowed.
United, Spurs and Everton reportedly didn’t hold back their true feelings during the ‘extraordinary meeting’ between 19 Premier League clubs, with Newcastle left out of the talks.
The Daily Mail claims that a ‘top-flight executive’ was not happy with the ‘green-eyed monster’ and the ‘self-interest’ of the takeover.
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One executive told the publication: “This is mainly an issue for the bigger clubs, although there are concerns over the immediate impact on the relegation battle.
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“They are nervous that precious Champions League places have suddenly got harder to come by. A lot of the smaller clubs are pretty relaxed about it.”
Amanda Staveley, who brokered the deal for the Saudi consortium, insisted that Newcastle’s objective is to win the Premier League title.
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“Newcastle United deserves to be top of the Premier League. We want to get there. It will take time, but we will get there,” she told Sky Sports.
“We're proud to be part of the Premier League. It's an incredibly competitive league, which we love. Premier League football is the best in the world, and Newcastle United is the best team in the world.
“We want to see it get those trophies, obviously. At top of the Premier League, in Europe, but to get trophies means patience, investment, time. We want everybody to work with us to build the club towards what it needs to be.”
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Newcastle United, Premier League, England, Football