Newcastle United takeover COMPLETE - what the key players have said about the deal

After 18 months the Newcastle United takeover has finally been completed.

The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Reuben Brothers and PCP Capital Partners are now owners of the Magpies, with Mike Ashley’s near 15-year ownership coming to an end at around 5pm today.

Here’s what the key players have been saying about the £300million deal.

The Premier League - the official confirmation statement

The Premier League, Newcastle United Football Club and St James Holdings Limited have today settled the dispute over the takeover of the club by the consortium of PIF, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media.

Following the completion of the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test, the club has been sold to the consortium with immediate effect.

The legal disputes concerned which entities would own and/or have the ability to control the club following the takeover.

All parties have agreed the settlement is necessary to end the long uncertainty for fans over the club’s ownership.

The Premier League has now received legally binding assurances that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not control Newcastle United Football Club.

All parties are pleased to have concluded this process which gives certainty and clarity to Newcastle United Football Club and their fans.

The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia - Yasir Al-Rumayyan

PIF tweeted: “An investment group led by #PIF has completed the acquisition of 100% of Newcastle United Football Club @NUFC.”

They also quoted Newcastle director Al-Rumayyan...

Governor of PIF, said: “We are extremely proud to become the new owners of Newcastle United, one of the most famous clubs in English football.

“We thank the Newcastle fans for their tremendously loyal support over the years and we are excited to work together with them.”

Reuben Brothers - Jamie Reuben

Reuben, of RB Sports & Media, said: “We look forward to a great future for Newcastle United. Newcastle is a fantastic city, which is why our family has been investing heavily in the area for many years. To become part of this great Club and its amazing fans is a privilege.

“We will build a true community Club, based upon our family’s knowledge of the city and in line with our plans that have been worked on closely with Newcastle City Council to deliver long-term sustainable growth for the area.”

Newcastle United QC - Nick De Marco

PCP Capital Partners - Mehrdad Ghodoussi & Amanda Staveley

Amanda Staveley, Chief Executive Officer of PCP Capital Partners, said: “This is a long-term investment. We are excited about the future prospects for Newcastle United.

“We intend to instill a united philosophy across the Club, establish a clear purpose, and help provide leadership that will allow Newcastle United to go on to big achievements over the long term.

“Our ambition is aligned with the fans – to create a consistently successful team that’s regularly competing for major trophies and generates pride across the globe.”