Newcastle United co-owner reflects on Liverpool memory in ‘exciting’ message to supporters

Newcastle United co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi has taken to social media to mark the second anniversary of the PIF-led takeover of the Magpies.

Six years have passed since Ghodoussi and Amanda Staveley first visited St James Park as they saw a United side managed by Rafa Benitez battle their way to a 1-1 draw with Liverpool. Despite the events on the pitch, it was Staveley and Ghodoussi’s presence in the stands that dominated the headlines as talk of potential takeover talks dominated the headlines in the days, weeks and months after the game.

Slowly, but surely, further details over the parties involved in the consortium put together by Staveley came to light as talks with then-Magpies owner Mike Ashley were dragged out over the following years, with claim and counter-claim made by both sides.

The presence of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund caused further delays as the would-be owners were forced to cut through red tape before they finally secured £320m deal to end Ashley’s 14-year ownership on a memorable day in October 2021.

United have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in fortunes as they progressed from the Premier League relegation zone and secured a mid-table finish under new manager Eddie Howe before producing a stunning level of consistency during the first full season under new ownership by claiming a top four finish and a return to the Champions League.

During the week of the two-year anniversary of the takeover, the Magpies owners watched Howe’s side romp to a 4-1 win against French giants Paris Saint-Germain - and Ghodoussi took a moment to look back at his first visit to St James Park and remembered the moment he ‘fell in love’ with the club.

He posted a photo of him inside St James Park with the caption: “This was 1st October 2017, the day I fell in love. It took another 4yrs, 7th October 2021, to get the deal done - with the most incredible partners. Tomorrow marks our two year anniversary. So excited for our journey ahead. @nufc #nufc @jamiereuben @PIF_en.”