Mike Ashley has been consistently slated for his transfer policy during his time as owner of Newcastle United, but on August 31st 2016 he completed a deal which supporters would struggle to label as anything other than a cunning piece of business.
That deal was, of course, the sale of Moussa Sissoko to Tottenham Hotspur after three and a half seasons with the club. Signed for a measly fee of just £1.8 million in January 2013, Sissoko impressed onlookers with his naturally powerful approach and ability to drive his team forward with the ball at his feet, but his end-product was questionable at best.
The killer final pass eluded Sissoko at Newcastle on more occasions then he would care to remember, and that is a theme which has persisted into his Tottenham career.
A glowing string of performances during France’s journey to the final of Euro 2016 depicted Sissoko as a world beating midfielder who was more than capable of making the step up to Champions League football.
But that impression was certainly not shared by Newcastle fans and neutrals alike, and they turned out in their numbers on Twitter to pour scorn over Tottenham’s decision to sign the versatile midfielder for £31.5 million.
Here’s what the fans had to say:
https://twitter.com/FourFourTweet/status/771106545513951232
Say what you like about Mike Ashley at Newcastle but to get Daniel Levy to part with £30m for Moussa Sissoko is act of genius.
— Andy Townsend (@AndyTownsend_AV) September 1, 2016
to get anyone to pay is unreal but to get Daniel levy to pay is nothing short of phenomenal
— David Williams (@d4vidwilliams) September 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/Gibbo2910/status/771267227546890240
Fifa 16 stuff
— Lester N (@MrMac111293) August 31, 2016
Everton V Spurs for sissoko, £30m
And the winner is
Mike Ashley— raymond doyle (@bigrd67) August 31, 2016
£30 million for Moussa Sissoko? Mike Ashley, take a bow #DeadlineDay #nufc #efc
— Adam Russell (@adamrussell101) August 31, 2016
You’ve gotta love Mile Ashley and his business brain. Take zero prisoners, stands his ground and is ruthless. £55m for sissoko and Gigi
— Sam Philip (@samphilip3) August 31, 2016
£30mil for Moussa Sissoko?
He couldn’t lace Forshaws boots!
How does Mike Ashley do it?— Daniel Bennett (@DanielBenno23) August 31, 2016
Evidently, supporters far and wide were absolutely amazed by Mike Ashley’s ability to command a fee surpassing £30 million for a player who had struggled to convince the Newcastle supporters of his quality.
What is perhaps most striking about the deal is that he managed to acquire that figure from Daniel Levy – an owner who is notoriously tight-fisted and strong on the negotiating table.
Barring a mini revival this season which has seen the France international shift attitudes amongst the Tottenham supporters, Sissoko has been widely regarded as a complete waste of money, with his inability to add goals and assists to his game representing a major point of discontent.
Ashley is seldom a celebrated figure on Tyneside, but it’s fair to say that the Sissoko deal is one which certainly stands out as a rare bright spot in an otherwise controversial time as Newcastle owner.
Newcastle fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
