Newcastle United to top Saudi ‘umbrella organisation’ linked to PIF sport mega moves

Newcastle United’s majority owners have had a busy week.

First they announced a four-team takeover of the Saudi Pro League, purchasing 75% of their domestic top four, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassar.

Next, the long-term golf dispute between their newly formed LIV tour and the established PGA was squashed with the controversial announcement of their merger.

Both events left football fans scratching their heads as to how they could impact Newcastle United. Obviously, they will make PIF even more wealthy than their current $607.42 billion, but with the constraints of financial fair play how much will the club actually see?

However, it’s diplomacy that should be focused on instead of the cash. According to The Mirror, the golf merger will have little impact on United, however the Saudi Pro League could pose a threat.

Newcastle United will remain at the top of PIF’s soon-to-be ‘umbrella organisation’ thanks to to profitability of the Premier League and eventually smaller outfits across Europe and the world will be used as feeder clubs.

Co-owner Amanda Staveley has been vocal about a multi-club model approach for Newcastle, with reports they were keen to purchase Belgian club KV Oostende to put this in motion.

But PIF’s desire to nab some of the biggest names in football for their own league could have repercussions to this model.

A coveted Champions League spot has increased the amount Newcastle can spend within the confines of financial fair play.

And Howe was clear he would always be in need of money after Newcastle’s final game of the season.

“We had discussions last night – those discussions did take place. I don’t think a budget is ever outlined because there’s always so many variables to it, but we certainly know where we stand,” Howe said.

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“Is the budget big? Well, when you’re sat in my shoes, it’s never as big as you want it to be.

“Financial fair play, as I always say, will impact what we do this summer. Certainly without Champions League football, it would have been very difficult for us to have done much in the transfer market at all. The fact we have that has given us a bit of a lift.”

Howe has made it clear he’s looking to invest in quality over quantity, stating: “hopefully it’ll be the right two or three players to make us better.” But The Mirror believes this game plan for the transfer window could put Newcastle United in direct competition with PIF’s domestic clubs.

PIF is providing the cash for its Saudi teams to bag four international landmark signings each. Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema was the first to join its campaign of this window for over £100 million per season and it looks like Chelsea’s N’Golo Kanté could be next.

In a league where financial fair play rules don’t exist, let’s hope it doesn’t come down to Newcastle and Saudi competing for the same players. Because although the teams have the same owners, the sky’s the limit with wages in the Middle East.