Newcastle plan three key transfers and global tours as Saudis plot expansion in second year

The i says First came the announcement, then came the memes.

When the Saudi-funded takeover of Newcastle United was confirmed a year ago, it sparked delirium in Tyneside and dissent outside the city walls. But there was a rough consensus on what would happen next: a wild rollercoaster of disruption that would see the gauche new guests at football’s top table try and upend European football.

One photoshop that mocked up a team photo including Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in black and white summed up what many – including plenty inside football’s recruitment business – saw as an inevitable attempt to sprinkle some stardust over St James’ Park.

https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle-plan-transfers-tours-saudis-expand-second-year-1898066