October 2024 marks three years since Newcastle United were taken over by a consortium led by the Public Investment Fund from Saudi Arabia.
After years of tight financial ownership under Sports Direct Owner Mike Ashley, Newcastle fans were jubilant to find out that they became one of the richest clubs in world football overnight in October 2021.
But how has the club progressed since? Jordan Cronin from the Geordie Journos on Shots! TV, said that the initial progress was quick at the club: “From Eddie Howe coming through the door during a relegation battle to 12 months later playing in the Champions League. There was fast progress in the first two years of the takeover.
“It was an absolute dream, it was beyond people’s dreams. It was 12 months ago when Newcastle United hammered PSG, I don’t think anyone could have predicted it.”
However, after a fourth-placed finish in the 2022/23 season, it began to stagnate for Eddie Howe’s side who finished seventh last season and out of European football.
Cronin believes that the fast progress made after the takeover raised expectations in the fanbase. “The last 12 months it hasn’t been as quick in terms of progress.” He added, “The ownership is maybe being tested in terms of where do Newcastle United go from here. That’s the million-dollar question.”
Newcastle United on a similar trajectory to last season after seven games
The Magpies have had a solid-at-best start to the 2024/25 season with three wins, three draws and one loss in their opening seven games scoring eight goals and conceding seven.
However, the goal for Howe and Newcastle has to be getting back into European football after their Champions League appearance last season.
But, with the likes of Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea, Brighton and Spurs all challenging for the last Champions League spot, it won’t be an easy task for the former Bournemouth manager.
Can the Magpies keep hold of their star players?
One of Howe’s biggest issues at Newcastle is because they don’t have European football, many of the top players may want to move elsewhere.
Most notably Anthony Gordon was touted for a move away during the summer transfer window to Liverpool. If Newcastle remain out of the top five and Liverpool continue to challenge for the title, there is a risk that the 23-year-old could move in January should Liverpool come in with an offer.
However, Fabrizio Romano has said that Newcastle are preparing to offer Gordon a six-year contract which would tie the winger down at St James’ Park.
Furthermore, striker Alexander Isak generated column inches during the transfer window with several of the top Premier League sides looking to add another goalscorer.
Eddie Howe’s side needs to climb up the table if they are to keep both their status as one of the bigger clubs in England and to keep their star players.