'Newcastle brace for major loss' as PIF chiefs jet in - boardroom source
It had been reported (via The Telegraph, 4 February) that Newcastle are "leaning towards" building a new home adjacent to St James' Park and overlapping its blueprint.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted Newcastle will need to brace for two big blows if they press ahead and build a new stadium.
Speaking on the new edition of 's Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed the loss of atmopshere at St James’ Park while construction takes place will be “the biggest problem”.
But Newcastle‘s current home holds 52,000 fans and is no longer considered fit for purpose by the Saudi ownership in terms of capacity or facilities.
Wyness told 's Insider Track podcast: "It's going to be a feat of engineering if it happens.
"Although I've been involved in five or six stadium projects, I've never been involved in one which overlaps the previous stadium.
"You'd imagine one end would be closed down and gradually built up. You'd hope there would still be availability in some areas at that particular end.
"I did see something like this at Hertha Berlin and the Olympiastadion, but it just meant there was a loss of atmosphere without having the whole ground full.
"That's the biggest problem for Newcastle – plus the extra cost of building the new stadium.
"The prize is fantastic, if they were to build a new stadium. It would be incredible, but it's perhaps too much pain for the club."
has been told by former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown (12 February) that Newcastle are preparing to hold sit-down contract talks with Alexander Isak.
Arsenal have been linked with the Sweden international although the Magpies plan to price them out of a move with a £150million price tag.
Isak has hit 19 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions this season and is currently under contract until June 2028.
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