Yasir Al-Rumayyan’s classy to Eddie Howe and Newcastle United players revealed

Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United players were welcomed into the home of Yasir Al-Rumayyan as part of their mid-season trip to Riyadh.

The Magpies are currently in Saudi Arabia for a week-long training camp, where they take on Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal on Thursday before returning to the North East at the weekend.

As well as their work on the training pitch in preparation for the Premier League restart, Howe and his staff are also participating in some public events, including a fan meet and greet tomorrow afternoon.

With Howe’s side training in the morning, some leisure time is afforded in the evening and last night, the squad visited the home Al-Rumayyan, the club’s non-executive chairman and chair of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

Discussing the visit, Magpies midfielder Joelinton said: “It’s very important. It shows the owners, the players and the staff, everyone is going in the same direction and it brings good things for the team on the pitch.

“It gives us more confidence and we know if we need anything they are here for us which is very important.”

Al-Rumayyan recently penned an open letter to supporters following the 12-month anniversary of the takeover. At his home in Riyadh, the 52-year-old is understood to have thanked the squad after a strong start to the campaign.

Newcastle sit third in the Premier League, losing just one of their opening 15 games, as well as holding the joint-best defence in the division.

“Thank you for your incredible support,” Al-Rumayyan wrote in October. “I am very conscious of the contributions that you all make – on and off the field.

“Football clubs are driven by their fans. And this club’s fans are more passionate and more committed than any others. I have seen for myself on many occasions how Newcastle fans have lifted our team.

“As we mark the first anniversary of our takeover of the club, it seemed appropriate to take the time to say thank you – on behalf of the Newcastle board.”