Newcastle United owners plot ambitious Champions League purchase amid Aston Villa example

Newcastle United’s owners are reportedly looking to purchase another top tier football club in Europe, according to Bloomberg, in their bid to build a sports empire.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund were allegedly looking to buy a smaller side on the continent, however have switched tactics in recent days after UEFA’s rule change. Now, the wealth fund wants to buy a team from one of the five big leagues in Europe.

Last week, UEFA announced Brighton, Aston Villa and Toulouse could all take up their spots in Europe next season despite the clubs owners’ being tied to other clubs that have qualified.

Historically, the governing body has been against multi-club models to preserve the integrity of the Europa and Champions Leagues. Brighton and Union Saint-Gilloise; Villa and Vitória Guimarães and Toulouse and Milan have been prohibited from exchanging players via loans or sales, however, until the end of the summer transfer window in 2024.

It also ruled that “the clubs will not enter into any kind of cooperation, joint technical or commercial agreements. The clubs will not use any joint scouting or player database.”

So, if Newcastle United’s owners change of tactics comes directly after this announcement it could suggest PIF are looking at another club of Champions League calibre.

Earlier this year it was reported that Newcastle were exploring the possibility of purchasing Belgian Pro League club KV Kortrijk as part of a multi-club model.

Speaking at the Financial Times’ Business of Football Summit in London in March, co-owner Amanda Staveley revealed the Magpies were looking at the multi-club model in order to enhance its global brand and boost player recruitment.

But, as proven by UEFA’s stipulations, if PIF did follow through with this, loans and transfers could be difficult to pull off. However, the move would most certainly increase the reach of Newcastle United.