Mike Ashley spent only £20m on new signings ahead of what is likely to be another very difficult Premier League season for Newcastle United.
Mike Ashley has just splashed out £90 million. But don't get too excited Newcastle United fans; it is not going towards a world-class centre-forward, a creative number 10 or a much needed left-back.
According to Sky News, the Newcastle owner has agreed to buy the 169-year-old department store House of Fraser. And the irony has not been lost of Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, one day after the summer transfer window slammed shut.
The Magpies spent around £20 million on new players this summer, a total exceeded by Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town, Fulham and pretty much every other club in the top flight of English football.
Manager Rafa Benitez has been left frustrated with so many of his top targets proving to be supposedly out of Newcastle’s price-range – a frustration shared by a man who knows and loves the club more than most.
Alan Shearer
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@alanshearer
What position does he play?
The Chronicle
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@ChronicleNUFC
NEW: #NUFC owner Mike Ashley buys House of Fraser for £90million. https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/business/business-news/house-fraser-enters-administration-mike-15012261?t …
Fortunately for Newcastle (and Shearer’s blood pressure), Benitez does at least have a few options in attack heading into the new season.
Venezuelan targetman Salomon Rondon has joined on loan from West Brom and the speedy Japan international Yoshinori Muto from Mainz.