When Newcastle lost to Wolves on Saturday, things were as bleak as ever on Tyneside under Steve Bruce and Mike Ashley.
It signalled a run of seven Premier League games without a win this season, and relegation fears were looming large.
However, just six days later, the Toon Army are in dreamland as Amanda Staveley, Jamie Reuben and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia secured 100% of the Magpies – at last.
With an estimated worth of £320bn, and an immediate £200m transfer kitty, Newcastle can afford to sign a number of world-class footballers.
On the contrary, Barcelona couldn’t even afford to keep Lionel Messi of all players over the summer, and find themselves in dire straights.
Football is a ruthless game, so here are three players we feel Newcastle should poach from the cash-strapped Spanish giants…
Philippe Coutinho
When PIF initially lodged their bid to buy Newcastle, a number of players were mentioned as potential signings to kickstart their reign.
One of them was Philippe Coutinho – Spanish football expert Guillem Balague even revealed that the Brazilian’s agent expected a bid from the Magpies.
Now, Barcelona are desperate to offload him. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, they’re even willing to pay 50% of his wages.
Coutinho would bring plenty of much-needed creativity to Newcastle – we feel he’s the first player PIF should target.
Martin Braithwaite
Ronald Koeman has already said that Barcelona will have to listen to offers for Martin Braithwaite, given the club’s poor financial situation.
Therefore, we feel Newcastle should tempt them with a bid. Apart from Callum Wilson, the Magpies don’t really have any reliable forwards – Joelinton and Dwight Gayle are highly ineffective.
In Braithwaite, Newcastle would have another dangerous forward to help Wilson – the Dane has two goals in three La Liga outings this season.
Pedri
Here’s where it gets interesting. Pedri is absolutely not for sale, and is one of the brightest wonderkids in Europe.
As a result, it would be a huge statement of intent from PIF if they were to snatch him from Spain and build the revolution around him.
Crucially, Pedri has a £70m release clause, so Barcelona have to let him speak to the Magpies if that figure was met.
Newcastle have just become the hungriest animal in the food chain – vulnerable prey such as Barcelona should be quaking.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
