It doesn't feel right, does it? Seeing Newcastle United's best players linked with big-money moves away from St James' Park always sets alarm bells ringing for any fan.
A History of Departures
For those raised on a diet of top local talent being sent to Liverpool and Tottenham in the 1980s, there is an inevitable sense of gloom when quality players leave United. Those of a certain generation saw Chris Waddle, Peter Beardsley and Paul Gascoigne depart. While there were times under Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson when it was all about investment, those squads were inevitably, slowly dismantled. Even in more recent times, talent such as Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba, Andy Carroll, Moussa Sissoko, Gini Wijnaldum and Ayoze Perez were sold for various reasons, but their departures all made the squad weaker.
Modern Context
So it's hard to stop those butterflies of dread fluttering when the stars of today close in on money-spinning exits. Anthony Gordon has already joined Barcelona in a £69.3m deal, and now Sandro Tonali seems destined to follow him out of the door at St James' Park. Tottenham's interest, in all likelihood, will only force the hand of Arsenal, Man City, PSG or Real Madrid, with the Italian widely accepted as one of the hottest properties in the Premier League.
There is no doubt that Newcastle without Gordon and Tonali will be weaker next season as things stand. But, and it's a huge point, this is not the mid-1980s or early 2010s. These are very different times at Newcastle United, and for that reason alone, fans should not fear these sales.
New Financial Landscape
Newcastle are operating in a new footballing landscape, both within the corridors of St James' and in the larger world. Money coming into the club will be reinvested in the playing squad under the Saudi-backed owners, and not disappear into the accounts. We've seen a constant stream of investment ever since PIF took over in 2021, and that will continue. But for that to happen, they must generate revenue from player sales to meet the strict financial regulations which have handcuffed the Magpies in their new dawn.
We know that other clubs - Chelsea and Man City for example - were able to rapidly build squads under new owners before the financial rules came in, while clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United have the size and legacy to command huge commercial deals. In that respect, Newcastle and Aston Villa are still on the outside looking in, which means United must sell. Hence Gordon and Tonali, or someone similar, to follow.
Stale Squad Needs Refresh
It hurts to see those loved in black-and-white go on to shine elsewhere, but unlike the darker days, there will be new heroes to fill their place. This squad has become somewhat stagnant and new blood is needed. The only way Eddie Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson can do that is by pruning from the top. While Newcastle have a unique position in many respects, they are far from alone in needing to move top players on. Just look at those who have left the so-called big six over the last five years.
Man City have sold Ferran Torres, Julian Alvarez and Leroy Sane. Liverpool sacrificed Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho. Tottenham cashed in on Harry Kane, and Chelsea allowed Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Eden Hazard to leave. Even Aston Villa have raked in huge amounts selling Jack Grealish, Jhon Duran and Moussa Diaby, and yet continue to grow under Unai Emery.
Recruitment Key
It all hinges on getting recruitment right, and United should have credit in the bank on this front. Last summer did not go well, and yet they still signed three stars in Malick Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey and Nick Woltemade who could yet have huge futures at the club. There is a new transfer strategy promising young, exciting players who will be desperate to come and make their mark at the club, with Ewen Jaouen the first arrival in that ilk.
After seeing big-name targets turn them down far too often, this is a refreshing and sensible plan - and if it can emulate the successes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, then United could be in for something of a rebirth. So let's not bemoan any departing player. Instead, wave them goodbye and look forward to the next generation.
