Magpies keep an eye on the ball in France as league faces a cash crisis
NEWCASTLE United are monitoring the situation in France’s Ligue 1 as a growing cash crisis for clubs across the Channel opens up a potential new January market.
The collapse of a $1.2 billion-ayear TV deal in Ligue 1 has left a huge hole in finances for even the top clubs in France, with one director describing the situation is a “disaster”.
So far Media Pro has missed two TV payments – which have been covered by loans from the French football authorities – and now has reneged on the deal, leaving the league to put the deal out to tender again. It is unlikely they will get anywhere near the deal agreed last year, which was a 60% increase on the previous one and led to some clubs spending more on player recruitment and wages.
Media Pro’s decision to hand back their TV rights has left clubs counting the cost and now insiders feel the most likely scenario is player sales to cover financial shortfalls.
That very possibility is already the talk of clubs in France, with local newspaper Voix du Nord reporting that Lille will sell Renato Sanches next month as part of emergency measures. United no longer view France as their primary market for recruitment but scouts have been active in Ligue 1.
Newcastle’s reputation has been enhanced among players in the league by the way winger Allan Saint-Maximin has been embraced on Tyneside and spoken warmly of the club.
United have a number of active targets and were recently linked with Reims striker Boulaye Dia, the league’s current top scorer.
United, along with West Ham, have been watching Montpellier
striker Gaetan Laborde and have a long-standing interest in Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare, for whom they made a £35 million bid a year ago – only for the player to turn the offer down.
Newcastle’s good start means they can afford to monitor the January market carefully.
United’s policy in the summer had to be “no risks” as there was a fear inside the club they were short on firepower and in key areas which would leave them vulnerable to relegation.
However, with a decent points tally and some funds available, head coach Steve Bruce – along with Head of Recruitment Steve Nickson who monitors overseas markets – may see this as an opportunity.
Certainly clubs in the Premier League are paying close attention to the unfolding problems in France, along with agents keen to look at potential deals.
New Brexit rules are unlikely to hamper Newcastle’s ability to move for players in France, with the league designated top-band status under new rules introduced in January after the end of the transition period following the UK’s exit from the European Union.
Any regular starter in the league should have enough points to earn an automatic approval for a work permit.