‘Expand further’ - Newcastle United’s multi-club vision outlined as PIF seeks cunning FFP plan

Football financial expert Kieran Maguire believes Newcastle United’s ownership are aware of how they can benefit from a multi-club model.

Over half of Premier League outfits are linked to other clubs from across the globe. Manchester City, through City Football Group, were the first to implement the plan and now boast 13 teams within their ranks.

Manchester United are co-owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British-based billionaire who bought Nice in 2019. Aston Villa and Vitoria Sport Clube as well as Brighton and Royale Union Saint-Gilloiseare other well-known examples.

Amanda Staveley - no longer a minority shareholder at St James’ Park - revealed in March that the Magpies were keen to expand their portfolio. Reports soon linked Newcastle with Pais-based club Red Star, who play in Ligue 2 and are available for £30million. Some argue United de facto operate under a multi-club model given the Public Investment Fund's interests in the Saudi Pro League, with four clubs under their watch.

Monetary guru Maguire outlined how following Man City’s blueprint can help Newcastle reach the next level. He told TDR Football: “As far as the Newcastle owners are concerned, there are significant benefits to this model. 

“If you go via Europe, there are geographical benefits. It would allow the group to recruit European talent at the ages of 16 and 17, which you can no longer do as a result of Brexit. 

“This would allow the club to dip their toe into the water to explore what works in terms of revenue synergies and cost synergies. Once they have trialled that, they can potentially expand the model further.”