## Newcastle's Summer Meltdown: A Transfer Disaster in the Making

**Early Warning Signs Ignored**


As early as June, Eddie Howe’s staff at Newcastle United had a sinking feeling. This summer transfer window was shaping up to be a "big problem," fueled by initial anxieties over potential departures of key players like Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon.  The mood was so grim that the club's own personnel even sought advice from others in football about how to navigate this crisis.

Just weeks prior, Newcastle had enjoyed the elation of winning the Carabao Cup – their first trophy in decades – followed by a strong finish to the season that secured a second consecutive Champions League qualification spot. These successes brought financial stability and optimism, leading many to believe the club was finally on an upward trajectory. 

**A Systemic Failure:**


The reality, however, is far more complex. A litany of issues, ranging from failed transfers to internal friction, have painted a picture of disarray at St. James' Park.  The club's transfer strategy has become a source of ridicule, with numerous high-profile targets opting for bigger clubs like Manchester United instead.

As one rival club executive quipped when Benjamin Sesko chose Manchester United over Newcastle: "You can have the most serious owners but you’ll still be Newcastle, not Man United." While this statement might seem cynical, it highlights a fundamental truth about Newcastle's current predicament. The club's structure lacks the sophistication and agility of its more established rivals.

**A Lack of Direction:**


The departure of sporting director Paul Mitchell – who had clashed with Howe upon his arrival in 2024 – exacerbated these problems.  Mitchell’s primary concern was a "trading model" that needed urgent restructuring to comply with stricter financial regulations (PSR). This left Newcastle rudderless and struggling to compete effectively in the transfer market.

Sources claim that internal decision-making is agonizingly slow, with major decisions requiring multiple layers of approval, often going all the way back to Riyadh. This bureaucratic inertia has allowed rival clubs to seize opportunities while Newcastle remained stuck in deliberation. 


**Howe's Struggle:**


Eddie Howe, while undoubtedly a talented manager who has transformed Newcastle into a Champions League-caliber team, now faces an uphill battle.  His influence extends far beyond the training pitch, as he is effectively running much of the club's operations. However, there are concerns about his ability to convince top players to join a club grappling with so many off-field issues.

This summer has seen numerous transfer targets express reluctance to commit to Newcastle, further highlighting the club's struggles to attract elite talent. 


**The PIF Puzzle:**


The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Newcastle United, has remained largely silent throughout this turmoil. While they insist on their commitment to the club and point to PSR restrictions as a barrier to investment, their actions tell a different story.

The lack of visible progress on promised stadium developments and initiatives to revitalize the region raises questions about the true extent of their ambition for Newcastle.  There are persistent rumors that PIF's focus is shifting towards consolidating their influence within Saudi Arabia, with projects like the 2034 World Cup and the burgeoning Saudi Pro League taking precedence.

**A Bleak Outlook:**


Newcastle United’s current predicament presents a stark contrast to the initial promise of the Saudi takeover.  The club, once envisioned as a global powerhouse, is now struggling to navigate even the simplest transfer negotiations.

This begs the question: Is this just a temporary setback, or a sign of deeper structural flaws that will ultimately hinder Newcastle's ambitions on and off the pitch?




## Newcastle's Summer Meltdown: A Transfer Disaster in the Making

**Early Warning Signs Ignored**


As early as June, Eddie Howe’s staff at Newcastle United ha

The damage Newcastle’s disastrous summer could do to their w

The damage Newcastle’s disastrous summer could do to their wider project

## La Liga Takes Aim at US Market with Potential Barcelona-Villarreal Showdown in Miami

Barcelona and Villarreal could become the first European soccer teams to clash on American soil, with La Liga pushing for a historic match in Miami this season. 

**Green Light from Spain, Now Awaiting International Approval**

The Spanish federation (RFEF) has given its blessing to La Liga's ambitious plan, which would see one of the scheduled Barcelona-Villarreal games moved from Villarreal’s Estadio de la Cerámica to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on December 21st.  However, the proposal still requires approval from FIFA, UEFA, US Soccer, and Concacaf.

**A Scheduling Conflict & Stephen Ross' Influence**

The chosen date for the match coincides with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals vs. Miami Dolphins game at Hard Rock Stadium. This suggests a potential schedule shift for the La Liga fixture. The proposal comes on the heels of Relevent Sports, founded and owned by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, dropping its lawsuit against FIFA and US Soccer after initially seeking to hold a La Liga match in Miami in 2018.  

**Relevent's Legal Battle & New Partnership with UEFA**

The initial legal challenge stemmed from US Soccer’s refusal to sanction the event due to a FIFA rule prohibiting domestic league games from taking place outside their home territory. Relevent argued that this policy violated US antitrust law. The lawsuit was ultimately settled, allowing FIFA to revisit its rule and paving the way for potential future international matches. 

Relevent has since secured a lucrative six-season deal with UEFA as the global marketing and sales partner for club competitions like the Champions League, further strengthening their position in the world of soccer.




## La Liga Takes Aim at US Market with Potential Barcelona-Villarreal Showdown in Miami

Barcelona and Villarreal could become the first European soccer teams t

Spain federation approves plan to move Villarreal v Barcelon

Spain federation approves plan to move Villarreal v Barcelona to Miami

## The Man Who Owns Nottingham Forest: A King's Gamble

Morgan Gibbs-White pledged his future to Nottingham Forest. But in a peculiar twist, it wasn’t just the club he was committed to – it was Evangelos Marinakis, the man who owns it. 

In an interview where Gibbs-White repeatedly referred to “Mr Marinakis,” his words painted a picture of a powerful influence. “Mr Marinakis is the main reason for that,” Gibbs-White stated when asked about the club's ambitious culture. "So thank you to Mr Marinakis for believing in me.” 

The unusual public display was indicative of a complex relationship between owner and player, one built on both admiration and an undeniable dependence. 

Just weeks before his contract renewal, Gibbs-White looked set to leave Forest. Tottenham had seemingly activated his £60m release clause, even organizing a medical for the England international. However, Forest retaliated by accusing Spurs of illegally approaching the midfielder – going directly to the player before contacting the club. The move was seen as indicative of how many clubs perceive Marinakis and his Forest: difficult to deal with.


“I will never let anybody from any other team try to get a player from us or make us do something that we don’t agree with - especially with guys that belong to our family,” Marinakis said, outlining his unwavering commitment to keeping his players.

Marinakis's methods are as unconventional as they are effective. He bleeds Nottingham Forest red, attending matches regularly and greeting players like a father figure. His passion for the club is undeniable, something reflected in the results. Under his ownership, Forest has risen from the brink of League One to European football. 

But Marinakis’s past casts a long shadow.  He's faced accusations ranging from match-fixing to involvement in drug trafficking and sports violence. While he was cleared of all charges, the controversies continue to follow him. This is a man who has lived both within the shadows and under the spotlight, his image forever intertwined with controversy and success. 


The question remains: can this unique "all guns blazing" approach to ownership truly be sustainable? Can Marinakis continue to defy expectations and lead Forest towards continued glory while navigating a complex web of accusations and legal battles? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – Evangelos Marinakis is not your average football club owner. 





## The Man Who Owns Nottingham Forest: A King's Gamble

Morgan Gibbs-White pledged his future to Nottingham Forest. But in a peculiar twist, it wasn’t just the 

The complicated character of ‘Mr Marinakis’ poses one Nottin

The complicated character of ‘Mr Marinakis’ poses one Nottingham Forest question

## Double Touch Drama Costs England's Mead in Tense Final Shootout

**England Emerges Victorious Despite Penalty Setback**


Beth Mead was denied a dream start to the Euro 2025 final shootout after being forced to retake England’s first penalty due to Uefa's new double-touch rule.  The second-half substitute initially fired her kick down the middle of Spain goalkeeper Catalina Coll’s goal, but replays confirmed she had kicked the ball twice – hitting it against her standing foot as her boot slipped on the grass.


Referee Stephanie Frappart immediately flagged the infringement, highlighting the new law that prohibits double touches from the penalty spot. 

Previously, such a violation would have resulted in Mead's goal being instantly disallowed. However, following controversy surrounding Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez's disallowed penalty against Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16, Uefa requested a review of these specific instances.


The International Football Association Board (Ifab), responsible for setting football’s laws, issued a clarification to Law 14, acknowledging the potential unfairness of penalizing double touches while recognizing the possible disadvantage it poses to goalkeepers due to altered ball trajectories.

Despite being granted a second chance, Mead’s revised effort was saved by Coll, handing Spain the initial advantage in the shootout.  However, England ultimately prevailed 3-1 on penalties to secure their Euro 2025 title.   


## Double Touch Drama Costs England's Mead in Tense Final Shootout

**England Emerges Victorious Despite Penalty Setback**


Beth Mead was denied a dream start 

Why Beth Mead had to retake her penalty in England’s dramati

Why Beth Mead had to retake her penalty in England’s dramatic Euro 2025 shootout win over Spain

## Bayern Munich Closing In on Luis Diaz Transfer

**Liverpool Winger Linked With Move After Coach Omits Him From Matchday Squad**


Bayern Munich are hot on the trail of Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, with talks between the two clubs progressing rapidly. Head coach Arne Slot left Diaz out of Saturday's 4-2 defeat to AC Milan, citing the ongoing transfer speculation surrounding the Colombian international.

The German champions have been persistent in their pursuit of Diaz after an initial approach was rejected and a subsequent offer of £58.5 million was turned down.  While Liverpool initially maintained that Diaz was not for sale, Bayern's proposal has reportedly tempted the winger with the prospect of playing in Bavaria. 

Diaz had also attracted interest from Barcelona, who made inquiries about his availability, as well as Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Liverpool valued Diaz at a minimum of €100 million but Bayern were hoping to secure him for a lower fee, aiming to replace Leroy Sane who has joined Galatasaray.  The Bavarian side have also seen Mathys Tel depart for Tottenham and are grappling with the absence of Thomas Muller due to retirement and Jamal Musiala through injury. 

Liverpool's significant summer spending spree - approximately £250 million on Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez - could see Diaz's departure help recoup some of that outlay. The Reds have also reportedly inquired about Alexander Isak, who is considering his options at Newcastle, but his potential transfer fee would be substantial.

Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez was absent from the AC Milan game due to injury, according to coach Arne Slot.  




## Bayern Munich Closing In on Luis Diaz Transfer

**Liverpool Winger Linked With Move After Coach Omits Him From Matchday Squad**


Bayern Munich are hot on th

Football News

The damage Newcastle’s disastrous summer could do to their wider project

Spain federation approves plan to move Villarreal v Barcelona to Miami

The complicated character of ‘Mr Marinakis’ poses one Nottingham Forest question

Why Beth Mead had to retake her penalty in England’s dramatic Euro 2025 shootout win over Spain

Liverpool’s Luis Diaz inching closer to Bayern Munich move