Harry Diamond
Demba Ba has revealed his excitement at Newcastle’s potential takeover and believes the club ‘will challenge’ for major honours amid the backing of their prospective new owners.
PCP Capital Partners’ proposed takeover at St James’ Park is nearing completion as the deal awaits ratification from the Premier League, the Saudi-backed consortium having paid an initial deposit of £17m and exchanged contracts with current owner Mike Ashley.
Should the deal be completed, the move will catapult Newcastle into the financial elite and former forward Ba – who scored 29 goals in 58 appearances for the club – believes the takeover can usher in an exciting new era of silverware in the North East, including ‘fighting for the title’.
“If that goes through I will be very happy because Newcastle is a club I love a lot,” Ba told Sky Sports
“I have spent a very great time there and if this goes through it’s going to be another top team.
“I’m not going to say top club because Newcastle is already a top club, but it’s going to be another top team, fighting for the title, fighting for the Champions League, and it’s going to be only great for the Premier League and for Newcastle also.”
Ba has backed the Magpies to challenge for silverware and believes the new ownership will see an initial period of heavy investment, but has warned the club’s fans that money is no guarantee of success.
“They will challenge,” Ba said.
“It does not mean they will win because we have seen for example a team like [Manchester] City, who have been challenging for a decade now for the Champions League.
“It’s not an easy competition and just money does not give you any guarantee. If money would give you guarantee then for sure City would have had a couple of (titles), and other clubs also would have had more – Paris (Saint-Germain) would also have one.”
Premier League clubs to seek approval from UK Govt for football to return in June
See also – Five managers who could replace Steve Bruce at Newcastle United