Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s comments prove Newcastle United transfer claims are overblown

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s verdict of Newcastle United before the takeover explains why the club are an attractive destination regardless of the money factor.

The Magpies are bidding to install themselves as top four regulars following the Saudi Arabia takeover last season, and they have made a fine start having qualified for the Champions League last season. Eddie Howe’s men are preparing for the club’s first Champions League campaign in more than two decades, and they the Magpies chiefs have handed Howe more big money signings, including Havery Barnes, Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento.

But the common claim among fans from other clubs is that big names are flocking to St James’ Park because of the wages on offer.

That’s especially true in the wake of the Saudi Arabian league capturing many of European stars, even if Newcastle are not paying anywhere near those figures. But quotes from current Marseille and former Arsenal striker Aubameyang from 2013 - way before the takeover - show that Newcastle was always an attractive destination for the Magpies.

“I will choose England before any other destination,” he said at the time after Newcastle had submitted a bid. “My dream has always been to play in one of the top two leagues in the world. Newcastle is a good club and St James’s Park is a monumental stadium where there is passionate fans.”

In the end, Aubameyang ended up at Borussia Dortmund, and speaking in 2016 about the decision, he said: “I received an offer from Qatar of €10m per year (£7.83m). If I accepted, my family would be set up for life.

“We chose to stay at Saint-Etienne, where I got €70,000 per month (£55,000), knowing that, given my qualities, I could earn money tomorrow. The following season, Saint-Etienne wanted to send me to Newcastle. We opted for Dortmund, finalist in the Champions League, because my father studied Klopp’s game, even though the pay was lower.”