Kieran Maguire issues ‘exciting’ PIF claim after Newcastle ‘drama’ at Premier League HQ
PIF likely bought Newcastle United ahead of Chelsea because they “relished” the challenge of building the club from the ground up.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about dramatic recent developments at Chelsea.
Blues owner Roman Abramovich was disqualified as a director by the Premier League last Saturday (12 March), as relayed by BBC Sport.
The Russian billionaire is one of several Russian oligarchs to have their assets frozen by the UK Government in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
The Londoners beat Newcastle 1-0 at Stanford Bridge yesterday (13 March), watched on by Magpies co-owner Amanda Staveley.
Staveley revealed that her consortium had the opportunity to buy Chelsea before settling on Newcastle, as quoted by The Sun on 3 March.
Maguire suggests why PIF went for a fixer-upper like Newcastle and not an established elite-level side like Chelsea.
“They’ve made their decision and I think they will be fairly sanguine about the affair,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“Before this drama, the advantage of acquiring Chelsea would have been that you would have bought a readymade Champions League team.
“With Newcastle, they will obviously have to go through a growth spurt.
“But they may be relishing that particular ride. It could be exciting for PIF, especially given that the fans are buying into it.
“They will also be able to say they have progressed the club more than would have been the case if they acquired Chelsea.”
Chelsea remain 3rd in the Premier League after yesterday’s win.
The result at Stanford Bridge result ended Newcastle’s nine-match unbeaten run.
In other news, pundit issues “huge” Newcastle United transfer claim after critical Antonio Rudiger development.