Simon Jordan has questioned the long-term future of Newcastle United under Saudi ownership, as the Sandro Tonali transfer saga intensifies. The Magpies rejected an £80 million bid from Tottenham Hotspur last week, but a growing belief persists that the Italian midfielder will leave Tyneside this summer.
Spurs' Interest Raises Questions
The fact that Tottenham, who finished 17th in the Premier League for two consecutive seasons, can offer higher wages and be perceived as a better long-term prospect for Tonali has unsettled Newcastle fans. For Jordan, this highlights the limitations of the Saudi-led project.
"Do Spurs have the position in terms of financial landscape that Newcastle wish to inhabit?" Jordan asked on talkSPORT. "Because it wasn't so long ago that Spurs were one of the big four or big five clubs determining the destiny of the Premier League. They have a £500-600 million turnover. So, they have all the ingredients to be a big football club. They just haven't been able to achieve it."
PIF's Commitment Questioned
While the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has insisted on its full commitment, with investments like purchasing Leazes Terrace and upgrading the training ground, Jordan wonders if they might sell up soon. "I think the Saudis have shot their bolt. I don't think they're going to spend lots and lots of money on sports per se now," he said.
"I think you might find the Saudis are going to sell this football club. I wouldn't be surprised to see that happening in the immediate or near future."
2030 Project Called a 'Fairy Tale'
Jordan also criticized Newcastle CEO's recent comments about winning the league by 2030, calling it a "ridiculous fairy tale." He noted that the 2030 project is primarily about Saudi Arabia's domestic goals, not Newcastle's success. "Not even if you are the lion, the witch and the wardrobe could you believe that fairy tale? Because there's no possible way you're going to be able to achieve it irrespective of what Leicester did 10 years ago," he added.
