When Newcastle United were promoted, there was a period where every supporter sat in suspense. They were awaiting a statement from the club, and Rafa, on how they would move forward.

At the back of the January window in the 16/17 season, speculation ensued when Rafa didn’t get a single player through the door. Mike Ashley had re-installed his transfer blueprint of old. So naturally, the sceptic nature of United fans would have you believe that Rafa was soon out the door, on his own accord.

To the joy of United’s supporters, it was revealed that Charnley, Ashley and Rafa shared a common interest and Newcastle would have money to spend.

“I’ve confirmed to Rafa (Benitez) and Lee (Charnley) that they can have every last penny that the club generates through promotion, player sales and other means in order to build for next season.” – Mike Ashley.

Shortly after that, national media speculated that Newcastle would get £70-100M to spend (depending on which outlet you trust). But, if you know Mike Ashley and you know how he runs the club, then there’s a twist to this tale that’s yet to surface.

In January 2015/16 season, NUFC spent over £80M to battle relegation. Mike Ashley was quoted:

“All I can say is; there is a bank account. When you have emptied it, it’s empty. Don’t come crying to me for more money.

“[There is] virtually nothing left now. They (NUFC) have emptied it. I have virtually nil effect on Newcastle in reality because I only pick the board.”

Following that window, United banked over £85M in their relegation summer. Astute spending, plenty of good signings and near daylight robbery for Sissoko, ended the summer in £30M net spent.

Now the summer window has come again, Newcastle are gearing up for their Premier League season, only Atsu has arrived, so where’s the rest?

Well, United only have £30M to spend, and £6,4M of that is now gone. Mike Ashley isn’t putting in any money, the club is wiping its own nose.

Where’s the £70-100M United were supposed to have? It hasn’t arrived yet. The club banks that money once the season is finished. Right now, Rafa has £30m minus Atsu (£6.5m) to spend. This is why the club wants to sign Florian Lejeune and pay for him in instalments. They need to spread the money and ensure that they can spend on further arrivals.

£30m plus player sales. Maybe something from the new sponsorship deal too, but I imagine that goes towards running costs.

They also need solid clearing of the decks. United’s squad is well oversized, so wages needs freeing up to and numbers reduced. Something Charnley has already managed to start and it’s a ball that’ll keep rolling for a long while yet.

Mike Ashley told the truth. But what common sense is yet to tell us is that money is yet to arrive.

Arrivals, Rafa wants them sorted quickly, but players may not arrive so quickly. Astute spending is needed once again. Money needs to be spread thinly and in layers. Build slowly, stay up and you’ll have real money in the 18/19 summer.