On the Transfer Front – The Latest Mischief and Speculation

Posted on June 5th, 2012 | 51 Comments |

Papiss Cissé.
"I Want To Stay"
First the good news – Papiss Demba Cisse wants to stay at Newcastle United for “many years”. And what’s more, that news is actually backed up with direct quotes from the player speaking to Sky Sports. So this isn’t “a source close to the player” or “a source close to the club”, this is Cisse himself, on the record, saying he wants to stay.

He told Sky Sports:

“I am very happy in Newcastle and I want to stay there for many years.”

“We were close to a Champions League position so next season hopefully we will qualify for that and everyone will taste the Champions League.”

“I am looking forward to next season.”

This news is particularly heartening given the recent press speculation that clubs like moneybags Manchester City are apparently keen on stealing our star forward. A bid might still come in of course, and it might be of sufficient size to tempt the United “Board” to cash in. But it’s always a good start if the player himself wants to stay and is happy here.

And if we look at where United are just now, I think any bid for Cisse would have to be huge before Mike Ashley and his chums would seriously consider it. Financially, the club is stable – in operational terms, the books are balanced and some projections are that in the coming season, the club will actually make an operating profit. Any debt is Ashley’s own, to himself, and is not therefore subject to crippling interest payments.

On top of this, the current squad have proven that they are good enough to get into the top six of the English Premier League. So to sell any key players would be a step backwards, and I don’t think Mike Ashley would accept that at this point in time. He likes to go forward and make progress, he likes a challenge – you only have to look at the growth of his sports clothing business to see that. Additionally, having gate-crashed life at Football’s top table, and qualified for the Europa League, I think the United owner has an appetite for kicking on and seeing just how far the club can go on with his current management approach – an approach which is beginning to be copied by some other clubs. I think he will want to further strengthen the squad and build on the progress made last season.

Away from Cisse, the mischievous speculation and gossip about some of our other players continues. Cheick Tiote continues to be linked with Manchester United and Chelsea – but a lot of this seems to be the original Daily Fail story being echoed by other media outlets. Some commentators are pointing to the fact that United are talking to West Bromwich defensive midfielder Mulumbu as evidence that Tiote will be sold. But it could equally be pointed out that, having lost Alan Smith and Danny Guthrie to name but two and recruited only Romain Amalfitano so far, we are actually still at least one midfielder short of where we were last season. So it makes sense to be looking at whoever is available.

There’s also a story bouncing around that Manchester City want our skipper, Fabricio Coloccini. I can’t see Colo leaving United to warm the City bench for next season, and I don’t think the club would want to sell him. Colo signed a 4 year deal just before the mackem game, and I think he would like to see that contract through at St James’ Park.

Finally, there’s still the position of Demba Ba to be resolved, which we featured in a blog recently. All we can do is see how that one plays out. There is no doubt that the “buy out” clause does indeed exist in Demba’s contract. At the end of the day it will depend upon whether the player wants to leave, and whether the club have actually made any effort to persuade him to stay. In this respect, the news that United’s heirarchy had allegedly pulled out of negotiations to renegotiate the player’s contract was not a very positive sign really.

As ever, these are just my own observations and thoughts, based upon whatever speculation is currently bouncing around in the media. Please use the comment box below to share your own thoughts on the above, or anything else really!

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NUFCBlog Author: UTD111 UTD111 has written 59 articles on this blog.

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Comment on this post

51 Responses

  1. There’s also a story bouncing around that Manchester City want our skipper Fabricio Coloccini. I can’t see Colo leaving United to warm the City bench for next season, and I don’t think the club would want to sell him. Colo signed a 4 year deal just before the mackem game, and I think he would like to see that contract through at St James’ Park. yeah alan smith here we come

  2. colo position ticks the box colo pace dosnt tick the box colo strenth dosnt tick the box says it all really

  3. “I think the United owner has an appetite for kicking on and seeing just how far the club can go on with his current management approach – an approach which is beginning to be copied by some other clubs. I think he will want to further strengthen the squad and build on the progress made last season.”

    I think that Ashley himself has modelled his approach on another North Eastern club who play in black and white, Udinese from the North East of Italy.

    “…they hired champions at low prices, and sold for ten times as much. Udinese were the king of capital gain, the balance was far positive and, what was best, the team was not weakened after the transfer of both Bierhoff and Helveg to Milan. Udinese were then considered a model in Italian football scene for their skilled transfer operations, for their structure, for their ability to find hidden talents all over the world…”

    http://www.udinese.it/ENG/storia8.php

    Udinese have never won a major trophy though. They sell players to clubs who do win major trophies such as Milan, Internazionale, Barcelona, Bayern Munich etc.

  5. “We’re not saying we are not a selling club. The reality is when we get the price in we have to sell our best players. It’s like being a collector and your collection is getting bigger and bigger, the wage bill will be bigger.” – Derek Llambias.

  6. are manu a selling club? they lost Ronaldo, now they may loose Rooney – no club is safe when obscenely rich clubs flash the begabucks cash

  7. I agree Supermac – not sure how the concept of a “selling club” is defined really, all clubs sell players at one time or another.

    I’m not sure that Udinese model is aligned with what is going on at United. Time will tell……

  8. UTD111 says:
    June 5, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    “I agree Supermac – not sure how the concept of a “selling club” is defined really, all clubs sell players at one time or another.”

    UTD, a “selling club” is a club who’s financial model is predicated on making an overall profit from player trading. Manchester United are not a “selling club.”

  10. we should accept that we are a selling club and look for cheaper replacement of tiote and demba ba.

  11. Worky

    If we use your definition of a “selling club” for sake of argument, then I don’t think Newcastle are a selling club ie they won’t need to sell players to make a profit.

    If we accept that every player at every club has a price, which has been proven even at Manure, it starts to come down to how ambitious the club is, translated into wanting to hold on to key players.

    The statements coming out of United (and their actions over the Andy Carroll episode) point to a club that sells only for a price that suits us, and suits our own ambitions.

  12. I’ve read that Udinese story and I don’t think that is what’s happening at the Toon. I think Ashley is following the Arsenal model – get good young players for relatively low outlay, bring them through and only sell them when it suits us – ie when some idiot is willing to pay well over the odds, and we can let the player go.

    This policy of course does not vater for players with buyout clauses – but Ba was a special case that we took a chance on.

  13. UTD111 says:
    June 5, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    “Worky

    If we use your definition of a “selling club” for sake of argument, then I don’t think Newcastle are a selling club ie they won’t need to sell players to make a profit.”

    Well, UTD, I would agree that Newcastle United shouldn’t HAVE to be a selling club like Udinese.

    Udine, the city where Udinese are based is more like Middlesbrough in size and ditto with the respective football clubs / attendances for games etc. Udinese’s average attendance last season was 16,625, not 50,000, and I’m sure that their TV income is far lower than Newcastle United’s too. As seen in that piece I linked to, they bring in much less in overall revenue than Newcastle United. However, Newcastle United themselves seem to be bringing in much less in commercial and matchday revenue than they should be for a club with such a large and passionate fanbase, suspiciously so.

    This is not the case with Arsenal, although their money has gone into funding the best Premiership stadium in the country.

    As you say though, time will prove me right (as ever) ;-)

  14. Raghav.nufc says:
    June 5, 2012 at 4:22 pm

    “we should accept that we are a selling club and look for cheaper replacement of tiote and demba ba.”

    Players such as Cisse, Ben Arfa (especially Ben Arfa) and Cabaye could well be the big moneyspinners for Ashley, Raghav.

  15. On the incoming transfer front, Douglas issues ‘come and get me plea’ to Newcastle after announcing to Sky Sports he is unsettled.

  16. Qwerty says:
    June 5, 2012 at 5:38 pm

    “On the incoming transfer front, Douglas issues ‘come and get me plea’ to Newcastle after announcing to Sky Sports he is unsettled.”

    Qwerty, it wasn’t necessarily a come and get me plea to Newcastle:

    “Five clubs are interested and there’s a bigger club than Newcastle. I cannot still say anything about it, but I hope soon to have my new club.” – Big Doug.

    http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7796184/

  17. 13
    workyticket says:
    June 5, 2012 at 5:17 pm
    UTD111 says:
    June 5, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    “Worky

    If we use your definition of a “selling club” for sake of argument, then I don’t think Newcastle are a selling club ie they won’t need to sell players to make a profit.”

    Well, UTD, I would agree that Newcastle United shouldn’t HAVE to be a selling club like Udinese……..

    …………

    …….As you say though, time will prove me right (as ever)
    ________________________________________

    That’s not what I said big heed LOL

  18. Now, now children, be nice !
    Udinese eh !
    We are imitating them, according to Workey.
    Personally i doubt if Ashley is aware that Udenise exist, though one could call it an interesting coincidence.
    Being they wear the same strip n’all.
    Dont believe everything Workey sez, sometimes it’s just the result of an over imaginative mind.

  19. UTD111 says:
    June 5, 2012 at 5:53 pm

    “That’s not what I said big heed LOL”

    Well, true, I may have been paraphrasing a little.

    I was watching a programme on the television about the Oracle of Delphi the other evening. It reminded me of myself in many ways.

  21. the classic selling club was Burnley who stayed in the upper divisions for decades on small crowds – every one of their players was always for sale, preferably at the right (sellers) price but not always.

    They had a top team in the 70s – 5 of whom went to 1st div clubs in 2 years, including Nulty to NUFC.

    I can’t think of a modern equivalent, but its certainly not us. If you take Carrol out of the equation, who have we sold to make money? OK, the relegation fire sale players – but does that count? Not realy – which takes us back to Carrol, but that does not count either cos it was the best bit of business we ever made.

    We are not a selling club – we are a club that sells wisely.

    On the other hand you could argue we are a buying club ! Biggest buy last window – Cisse ! Just ask clubs in france & holland etc, they know that we are after their players.

  22. Is it my imagination or does it look as if NUFC are putting Tiote in the shop window, hoping for a transfer windfall ?
    Having received big bucks for Carroll, last year, may have them believing it can be repeated on an annual basis, just like in the rag trade, buy cheap, sell for whatever the market will bear.
    Yeah right !
    Rumors of Chelsea coming in with a 20m. bid, could have wor Mike and his Sancho Panza (Derick), drooling.
    Aint that why we are looking at Mulumbu ?

  23. chuck says:
    June 5, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    “Dont believe everything Workey sez, sometimes it’s just the result of an over imaginative mind.”

    No, Chuck, it’s the result of a highly intelligent and perceptive mind, and extensive research.

    “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

    That’s the story of my life. ;-)

  24. er, Oracle of Delphi was a priestess of Apollo – is there something we need to know?

  25. Supermac says:
    June 5, 2012 at 6:49 pm

    er, Oracle of Delphi was a priestess of Apollo – is there something we need to know?

    No Supermac, I’m not an old woman, and I certainly haven’t haven’t led a blameless life!

  26. workyticket says:
    June 5, 2012 at 6:48 pm
    chuck says:
    June 5, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    “Dont believe everything Workey sez, sometimes it’s just the result of an over imaginative mind.”

    No, Chuck, it’s the result of a highly intelligent and perceptive mind, and extensive research.
    _____________________________________

    It’s always better if somebody else says that about you, rather than you saying it about yourself – don’t you think??

  27. The oracle of Delphi eh !
    It’s rumored the answers to questions, pithy though they might be, were translated through priests from Pythia.
    Who for all intents was stoned out of her head.
    Yes there was a certain weed growing in the area, that when burned, gave off an intoxicating mind altering high, if inhaled.
    Was wondering if Workey, who likened himself to Pythia has had the same experience’s.
    That would certainly explain a lot.

  32. Later, going to consult with my oracle/barkeep, see what the future has in store, or if in fact i have a future?
    Tis the cocktail hour.
    Got Ireland in the $50 pool they are rated @ 100-1 odds, still, better than last world cup, where i got England.

  35. Hey all – Maybe a bit off topic – but anyone know what happened to the speculation of Newcastle joining the Vodacom Challenge in South Africa for pre-saeson? All the reports I can see are a bit old and I can’t find anything confirmed. Anyone have any news here?

  36. SA toon Fan says:
    June 6, 2012 at 10:01 am

    “Hey all – Maybe a bit off topic – but anyone know what happened to the speculation of Newcastle joining the Vodacom Challenge in South Africa for pre-saeson? All the reports I can see are a bit old and I can’t find anything confirmed. Anyone have any news here?”

    SA toon Fan, I was looking at pre season stuff and the only game confirmed on the official site so far is against Cardiff.

  37. “SA toon Fan, I was looking at pre season stuff and the only game confirmed on the official site so far is against Cardiff.”

    Thanks workyticket, that’s all I can find as well.

    I’m on my way up to England for a good mate’s wedding and am gutted he’s decided to do it off season. First time in England and I’m not going to get to watch the Magpies :(

    Well here’s to sincerely hoping they come down South!

  38. UTD111 says:
    June 5, 2012 at 7:01 pm

    “It’s always better if somebody else says that about you, rather than you saying it about yourself – don’t you think??”

    It depends, UTD. Sometimes, praise from others can be a bad sign and it’s better to be in a minority.

  39. NeXt season:
    ————-KRUL—————–
    SIMMO—-COLO—–Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa—–SANTON

    ————TIOTE—————–
    MARV———HBA——–AMALFANTINO

    ——–CISSE—–LUUK DE JONG—–

    SQUAD: FRAZER FORSTER, MULUMBU, BIRGIMANI, Butterfield, Yacine Brahimi, CLYNE, GOSLING, SAYLOR, WILLO, JONAS, SAMMY,ELLIOT, ETC.

    SOLD: BA £7M SPURS ,CABAYE £17M CHELSEA

    …COMMENTS WELCOME…

  42. My pet peeve about this sort of thing is that it leads to endless lists of teamsheets on boards.

    Sorry Milner, I’ve seen you post good stuff and I am sure most people won’t agree with me.

  46. Milner, I have nothing to do with this blog and just write a few comments now and again. Obviously, you can do what you like mate.

  47. Milner, I was a bit harsh. It is not that bad to have a teamsheet discussion now and again. Just not every day :)

    HBA in the middle is a surprise. Some of the subs you name, I don’t know much about.

  48. GS sez,

    I have nowt to do with this blog and just write “A FEW” comments now and then!

    Yeah right GS !

  49. Heard this rumor, apparently Martin O’Neill, made a fifty quid bid on “Cathy the tea lady”, being partial to a nice cuppa.
    It has apparently started a bidding war, with Fergie and Arry, immediately jumping in with bids reaching over seventy five quid.
    It’s rumored M. O’N. has an edge being closest to home.
    But the bookies have her staying @ St. James’ Park, Ashley having offered to match any amount offered.

  50. chuck says:
    June 6, 2012 at 3:35 pm

    “But the bookies have her staying @ St. James’ Park, Ashley having offered to match any amount offered.”

    That last bit completely ruins any credibilty your story may have had, Chuck!

  51. Workey
    I was Going to write S***** D*****, but just could’nt bring myself to do it, it’s becoming a problem.
    Perhaps i should consult my Oracle.