Newcastle United's 14 years of decline and negativity during Mike Ashley's Tyneside tenure were well-documented. The recent uplift and turnaround is no secret either.
The £300m change of ownership means Newcastle are now in a position to battle for the likes of Sven Botman this summer, attempting to fight off big European suitors who can offer Champions League football and a huge platform to prove their worth.
AC Milan are the team currently trying to stop the Magpies from securing Botman's signature. The Italian champions have made no secret of their interest, with director Paolo Maldini keen to bring the central defender to the historic club.
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But the hold up in Italy stems from the fact that Milan themselves are undergoing a drawn out takeover of their own these days. American fund RedBird have reached a takeover agreement with current owners Elliott Management but the deal won't be rubber stamped and over the line until September, when the transfer window has closed. For the moment, Elliott Management will continue to set the budget for the coming months.
This leaves Milan in a tricky situation. Can the owners keep the promises they have clearly made to Maldini this summer with a lavish budget while they are in the midst of this deal going through? There is already concern within the fan base and the hierarchy of the Serie A champions that the next few months could be frustrating.
“What we need now is the club wanting to open up a new era. With a strategic vision, Milan could next season compete with the biggest clubs," Maldini said in May. "However, if we were to choose a vision of maintaining our current level, without investment, without an idea worthy of Milan, we would remain in limbo among the top six or seven sides in Italy, hoping to maybe win the Scudetto again and qualify for the Champions League.
“This is the moment that the owners, Elliott or whoever could arrive, need to realise this three-year project is complete and figure out what strategy they want for the future. With two or three important signings, and the consolidation of the players we have, we can compete for something bigger in the Champions League.”
How many times have Newcastle fans asked for something similar? Yes, admittedly they've never demanded signings to ensure they can confidently defend the league title... but numerous times under Ashley a clear message was sent - Back us in the transfer market, so the club can progress rather than regress.
Numerous takeover attempts gave the Sports Direct tycoon the power to cease his investment due to the limbo the club found itself in. It left supporters frustrated and the club stagnant.
Those days are thankfully gone at Newcastle, with the new ownership ready to back Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth in the transfer market this summer and beyond. But for Milan, there is clear worry that the club will be left with key promises not met before the end of August.
