da betobet： With so many teams undertaking a desperate search for firepower this summer, Newcastle United are sitting pretty having found two prolific strikers for a relative pittance in today’s market. This is in part due to their increasingly successful recruitment policy but with some of the best clubs in the Premier League sniffing around their African stars, can Newcastle realistically keep hold of Demba Ba and Papiss Demba Cisse next season?
da imperador bet： The Senegalese duo both enjoyed instant success at the Sports Direct Arena as they consistently scored bags of goals to endear themselves to the Geordie masses. While this has made them firm fans favourites it has also attracted the attention of bigger clubs and Newcastle will have to fend off interest if they’re to continue their progress. This may not be so easy for the club as they look to push on after an excellent campaign. Ba, their star during the first half of the season, has an interesting release clause in his contract that says during a two month period between 31st May and 31st July, any team willing to stump up £7m can start contract talks with the striker. That means prospective buyers are on red alert and Ba has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur among others. It’s an issue manager Alan Pardew has had to deal with all season but is hopeful the situation can be resolved.
“Ever since he signed with us we’ve had it, I don’t think it’s going to go away.
“We want him to stay, the fans do too, and we hope that will be the case.”
The clubs no. 19 was quick to dismiss rumours when he returned from the African Cup of Nations but while this was encouraging news for Magpie fans, the striker hasn’t been tied down to a new deal since because managing director Derek Llambias feels offering improved terms to a player signed only 12 months ago sets a dangerous precedent. This may seem like sensible thinking from the club as they continue to streamline their spending but it still leaves the door open to Ba’s departure. Paris Saint Germain and Galatasaray have also been credited with an interest and Ba has offered little indication recently as to where his future lies.
While fans countdown the days until August 1st, they can take some reassurance from the fact that Cisse seems to be staying put. The curried goat fuelled goal machine was their star during the second part of the season and has attracted admiring glances from rival teams with his spectacular strikes. Gossip aside, the poacher insists he’s happy in the North East and is looking forward to plying his trade in European competition.
“I hope to continue scoring goals for Newcastle next season. I’m looking forward to playing in the Europa League.
“We wanted to play in the Champions League, but we can be very happy with what we have achieved this season.”
Encouraging words from the latest no.9 to don the black and white jersey but nothing is guaranteed in football. A FIFA ruling that stops players appearing for three clubs in one year was meant to dismiss rumours surrounding his future but Cisse too has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United among others. FIFA rules state:
‘Players may be registered for a maximum of three clubs during the period from 1 July until 30 June of the following year. During this period, the player is only eligible to play in Official Matches for two clubs.’
Since Cisse only played for SC Freiburg and Newcastle last season he would be illegible to sign for another team from July 1st. That means Pardew will have to consider the possibility of losing both his star forwards next month but he’s diplomatically keeping his cards very close to his chest.
“Demba and Cisse were brilliant for us last year, and we hope for the same next season.”
It isn’t just the manager who’s hoping for more of the same next season as fans prepare for their first season in Europe for nearly a decade. Their 5th place finish last time out has rekindled belief that the Magpies can compete at the highest level again but it will be whether or not they can keep players like Ba and Cisse that will truly illustrate how far they’ve come. The foundations may have returned but if Newcastle allow their best players to leave for bigger clubs then they will be forever playing catch up with the big boys.
Do you think Ba and Cisse will remain at the Sports Direct Arena next season? Should fans expect a repeat of last season’s success? Will Newcastle be able to handle the demands of European football?
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