Newcastle United director pens emotional goodbye as major Saudi reshuffle turns heads

A major behind-the-scenes reshuffle at Newcastle United has been confirmed by the UK government.

Saudi director Majed Al Sorour has departed his role as a director of the club after being appointed on May 12, 2022 with two new names coming into the fold.

The PZ Newco Limited company page on the government website confirmed that Abdulmajid Ahmed Alhagbani and Asmaa Mohammed Rezeeq were appointed as directors on February 23.

Alhagbani is the Senior Manager of Head of Securities in the Middle East and North Africa with PIF. He has also worked at HSBC in Saudi Arabia.

Asmaa Mohammed Rezeeq has worked as a senior analyst with PIF since 2018 and held similar positions at Istithmar Capital from 2016 to 2017.

Familiar faces of Amanda Staveley and Jamie Reuben, often seen at St James' Park, remain as directors. Public Investment Fund tycoon Yasir Al Rumayyan also continues in his role.

Departing director Al Sorour had not managed even a year in his role after his appointment last year.

Writing on LinkedIn after his departure, he said: "The natural progression of the living are growth. We grow to create, build and move on and move along to watch things expand and grow in front of our own eyes.

"The most exciting is to watch your own kids grow and become their own persons, as well as companies that are been founded and created.

"I am happy where Golf Saudi and LIV golf is at. I am still an effected board member and happy to continue to be. Noah will be a good CEO for the GS company and I look forward for the new challenge and will always be happy to create and grow."

The takeover of Newcastle United was completed on October 7, 2021 and ended Mike Ashley's reign over the club. The Saudi Public Investment Fund took a majority 80% with PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers taking 10% each.

The controversial purchase was approved by the Premier League after they "received legally binding assurances that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not control Newcastle United Football Club".