Letting Joey Barton Leave - The True Cost to the Toon
So it’s nearly a week after the announcement that Joey Barton will not be staying on Tyneside, and still we are no closer to finding out the reasons why.
The club claim the vice captain was offered a new deal both in January and last week, with Barton rejecting both offers on the table.
However, via Twitter, the Scouser said ‘"I can't sign a contract if am not offered one?’ and so fans are once again left wondering who is telling the truth?
Either way, the club have a major dilemma on their hands; do they sell the midfielder in a cut price deal or allow him to run down his contract and leave on a free at the end of next season.
Barton also claimed on Twitter that Newcastle “want a younger, better, cheaper player." Now while most fans would probably accept the first two, it’s the necessity for the latter which ironically could see the club counting the cost.
On-field
This is exactly the reason why Barton’s worth surpasses just his monetary value. Nine assists this campaign make him the most creative player in our ranks and the Scouser has also chipped in with 5 goals including two in the memorable 4-4 draw with Arsenal.
But it’s not just the stats in Barton’s favour, his work rate and commitment to the cause is second to none. Not only this but his character of digging deep when things aren’t going well is an invaluable asset, just ask any Arsenal fan. As well as this, and crucially, he wants to be at the club and wants to take Newcastle back to the upper echelons of English football saying this week: “I will continue to do everything in my power to bring a trophy to St James' next season."
The Ashley Way
With youth being the key focus under Ashley, the days of lucrative deals for players in their late 20s seems to be over. Some have claimed that Barton was offered a 2.5 year contract, but was holding out for more. Given the club’s support during his off-field problems, doesn’t Barton owe us something and should he not simply perform on the pitch and an extension would surely arrive at a later date.
Let’s not forget it was Ashley that sanctioned this move originally and it does seem odd that after three years of underperformance and a jail sentence- that he would simply let a player leave when he finally starts seeing a return on his investment.
Also with the owner’s plan of re-energising the club with youth, he may well feel at 28 Barton is simply not worth a 4 year deal or the amount of money he was demanding. Credit it where it’s due Newcastle are in a sound financial position at the moment and have been guilty of over-valuing players in the past.
On paper it sounds so simple, however in practice finding a replacement could prove a lot trickier.
The Other Guys
So with Carroll gone, Barton not signing and Enrique likely to be on his way you have to question what must be going through the mind of Kevin Nolan.
He accepted the Andy Carroll transfer because of the astronomical fee and the promise of re-investment. The skipper may even be able to stomach the departure of Enrique, as it is likely the Toon will once again receive a decent fee and in young Ferguson look to have a tidy little replacement.
But surely this latest development will be cause for concern for the former Bolton man and just as worrying for fans. Ultimately players are professionals but like in any job there’s only so far someone can be pushed, and just consider where the Mags would be without Nolan &Carroll’s 23 goals in the league, Barton’s assists and Jose’s outstanding performances.
What Next
You can’t blame Mr Ashley for not caving into Barton’s demands if he himself does not value the player that highly. Ultimately he is a business man and successful businessmen don’t pay over the odds for products. The fact that Barton has been openly critical of the regime may also work against him and at 28 it may just be that he simply does not fit into the Newcastle way of thinking anymore.
However, with all considered, letting Barton leave can only be described as nonsensical from both a football and financial perspective. Why go searching for something you already have and losing not just a player, but someone key to the future success of the club and hugely popular amongst supporters. Surely the first rule of business is buying the best product at the best price and holding onto commodities that enhance your company value.
All fans would be delighted if Barton does sign a new deal, but could also probably accept if the club have somebody as good lined up as a replacement. However going on past performances this looks unlikely to materialise and leaves me with the conclusion; that both in the pocket and on the pitch, this decision will cost Newcastle dearly.
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