Kieran Maguire drops 'huge' Newcastle United claim after announcement

Newcastle United hosting their own pre-season tournament this summer will prove to be a 'huge' commercial success.

That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about Newcastle's pre-season project.

The Magpies announced on 7 July that they will be hosting the inaugural Sela Cup this summer.

The pre-season tournament will be held at St James' Park and will include Newcastle, Fiorentina, Nice and Villarreal.

Sela, who agreed to a multi-year £25million deal with Newcastle this summer, are set to play a major role in organising the event, while VisitMalta has also joined as a sponsor.

The competition is scheduled to take place over August 5 and 6, including double headers and a featured women's match between Newcastle and West Brom.

Maguire believes the event will be a success, with Newcastle fans given the chance to see new players and the new kit ahead of the 2023/24 season.

"Newcastle know that they will sell out home matches at St James’ Park regardless of the opposition and competition," Maguire told Football Insider's Sean Fisher.

"Having a pre-season friendly with additional focus on Sela, who have paid a lot of money to become the club’s new front-of-shirt, was probably part of that agreement.

"It gives fans an opportunity to see new players and the new kit and there is certainly a feel-good factor around Newcastle at the moment.

"I’m sure that overall, the tournament will prove to be a huge commercial success for Newcastle United."

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