Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has overseen somewhat of a revolution since the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund took over the club.
Their undeniable wealth has helped the Magpies become real contenders in this season's race for the top four. As we head into the World Cup break, the Magpies sit third in the table and are four points clear of Manchester United.
Many outsiders expected Newcastle to splash the cash on big-name players but acquisitions such as Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes have helped lead their charge. This, however, has not stopped them from being linked with more established talent.
ALSO READ: Carragher's hilarious response to Ronaldo and Fernandes' handshake
Paul Pogba was linked with Newcastle until he signed for Juventus and they have also been linked with Cristiano Ronaldo. Following the latter's interview with Piers Morgan, it would seem like his time at Old Trafford is coming to an end.
But, should he wish to seal the move to a new club, Ronaldo may encounter a problem. Howe outlined this in October when he was asked about potentially bringing in the Portuguese star.
"We’re trying to provide long-term growth, we’ve got a longer-term vision," he said. "At the moment, we have quite an ageing squad, so we probably need to invest in more young players. That’s probably a big part of our progression, really.
"We need to get the average age down, so it might not be a signing that we would necessarily look to make – but not under-estimating the quality of the player." Ronaldo's age will now likely be a barrier to any move away from Old Trafford.
It is a stance shared by Newcastle player Bruno Guimaraes. The midfielder told UOL : "The way I agreed to come to the club was also something remarkable.
"Today anyone wants to come to Newcastle, the richest team in the world, but I arrived with the team doing bad, pointed out as virtually relegated.
"Trippier and I were the first to believe in the project, so fans have a special affection.
"I think Newcastle need players with that mentality, it’s not about signing everyone just because they have money. It’s not bringing Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Mbappé. It’s not like this."
Looking back, United's move for Ronaldo was perhaps led by the heart rather than the head. At 37, Ronaldo will struggle to find another club that is willing to pay his wages.
Like Newcastle and Howe showed in October, clubs are wary of going after a player of his age as the sell-on value is non-existent. Other teams who are thinking of giving Ronaldo an out will be wary of this too and the forward may find that staying in Europe will be impossible.
READ NEXT:
