“I wish,” the Newcastle fan said, “that my club should have the richest owners in the world.” The monkey’s paw twitched. When Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund completed its takeover of Newcastle United, in October 2021, that fan reacted with excitement; it seemed their wish had been delivered. Why should this fan fear the consequences?
The image of the monkey’s paw derives from a 1902 short story by WW Jacobs, the motto of which is to be careful what you wish for – or at least that if you are granted three wishes, to be extremely precise in making them. For Newcastle, it may still be fine. A couple of astute signings before the window closes could be enough to get them back into Europe and the revenues that brings may be enough for slow and steady growth towards super-club status that is compliant with the profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).
