Plans for a European Super League that would have destroyed football as we all know and love it may have been quashed in 2020 but the Premier League is quickly becoming an unstoppable force all on its own - with other leagues around the world now struggling to compete anywhere near a similar footing.
The president of La Liga recently described England's top flight as a "doped market” after a combined transfer spend of £815m in January 2023 alone. Compare that to £110m in Ligue 1, £60m in the Bundesliga and £25m in both La Liga and Serie A.
Newcastle United saw their £300m takeover given the green light 16 months ago and have already started to reap the rewards that accompany being stewarded by a group of people who care about the club's well-being. However, the success the Magpies have enjoyed this season may prove harder to come by in future as some of their closest rivals await potentially game-changing takeover bids of their own.
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Firstly, there is Manchester United. Once the biggest and brightest side in the land, their status as the world's most attractive football club took a prolonged hit when Sir Alex Ferguson called it a day. Now, they could well be on the cusp of resurrection after becoming the subject of Qatari-based interest.
The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is said to be leading an effort to buy United from the Glazers, with his Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) thought to be financing the move. Should the Old Trafford outfit be backed by that body, it would be a monumental shift given the global appeal they already hold across the world.
News broke this week that Tottenham could be subject to a $3.75bn (£3.12bn) takeover of their own in the coming months. The Financial Times report Iranian-American billionaire Jahm Najafi is ready to make a bid for the north London outfit to end ENIC’s 23-year ownership of the club.
A purchase of that stature, coupled with the available funds at the disposal of Najafi and his MSP Sport Capital, would dramatically improve Spurs' chances of ending that trophy drought their rivals fans like to boast about.
Elsewhere in the Premier League Liverpool could also be bolstered by a potential change at the top, with Fenway Sports Group seeking a major injection of funds of their own. Should a takeover materialise, considering the asking price currently on the table, you can expect the Anfield to swiftly recover from their 2022/23 blip.
Add Chelsea and Manchester City's lavish war chests into the equation with the aforementioned changing of the guard at other English heavyweights and Newcastle will face an even tougher task upsetting the Premier League apple cart in the years to come.
The Magpies have struck gold in recent months with savvy recruitment and a remarkable period of form under Eddie Howe. But long-term the north east outfit will not have it so easy.
The measured approach taken by PIF thus far should be applauded. Yes, there has been a huge transfer outlay in the last three windows. But there has been no superstar additions unsettling the dressing room harmony and no FFP-busting deals which will come back to haunt Newcastle in years to come.
“I’ve always said that Financial Fair Play is real for us," Howe said last week. “I’m not there doing the figures and the numbers and I don’t quite understand how it fully works.
"I’m obviously led by the people above me at the club to say what we can and can’t do. But certainly it’s been there and I think it will continue to be there for us unless we can dramatically change our revenue streams.”
For all the temptation to splash the cash and speed up Newcastle's ascent, there is a feeling a much more careful approach is the preferred option of those at the top.
Dan Ashworth's arrival will improve the recruitment on Tyneside, with young, hungry gems sought out in favour of £100m budget-busting deals. The club have already started planning for the future with recent Under-21 arrivals such as Charlie McArthur, Jude Smith and Garang Kuol to name just a few.
Chief Executive Officer Darren Eales has already spoken of his desire to use St James' Park as a tool for driving revenue and the club's decision to buy back Strawberry Place land will only make that more feasible. Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone, famed for striking major partnership deals at Arsenal, will also secure the type of sponsorships that will generate millions each year.
Newcastle kept their powder relatively dry in January despite calls from both Howe and supporters regarding the lack of squad depth on display at St James' Park. After a £200m spend last year, and a huge summer window on the horizon, it could be argued it wasn't the worst decision to save some funds for a rainy day. That rainy day being when the club potentially qualify for Europe in just a few months time...
The Premier League will continue to appeal to foreign investors, with a number of clubs suddenly looking like attractive business propositions as 'the best league in the world' crushes its competition and dominates the market. Luckily, Newcastle have the tools in place to cope with any change of circumstances when it comes to their new Premier League rivals.
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