There’s been a twist regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Unai Emery – and it’s quite a big one.
Sky Sports reported on Tuesday that Newcastle were in talks with the Villarreal boss about coming to St James’s Park.
The Magpies are in the market for a long-term replacement for Steve Bruce.
And it looked like the former Arsenal coach was going to be that man.
But Emery released a statement via an Instagram this afternoon, confirming that he’ll be staying with the Spanish club.
He had already confirmed the talks with Newcastle after his side’s Champions League win last night.
Here’s what some fans of the North-East club are saying:
Shambles
Getting rid of Bruce without having a successor lined up was crazy by Saudi Public Investment Fund and Amanda Staveley et al.
Even if things could’ve been better results-wise under Bruce, he was still Newcastle manager and getting rid in the absence of a plan was, well, quite silly.
The Paulo Fonseca rumours haven’t amounted to all that much since Bruce went and with Emery now off the table, it remains to be seen where United go from here.
Eddie Howe is another name reportedly in the frame, according to The Athletic.
But at this point, the former Bouremouth coach will know that he was far from first choice and therefore a bit of pride swallowing might be needed if he winds up being approached.
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