Mehrdad Ghodoussi delivers message to Al Hilal after Newcastle’s 5-0 win

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Mehrdad Ghodoussi has hinted that Newcastle United will be playing against Al Hilal again in the future.

The Magpies took on the Saudi Pro League champions in Riyadh on Thursday night, and were victiorous. Eddie Howe’s side won 5-0, thanks to braces from Joelinton and Miguel Almiron, then a fifth from academy product Dylan Stephenson.

It was a productive night for Newcastle, and one that ended with a trophy. Jamaal Lascelles lofted the Diriyah Season Cup high above his head, almost as if it was a proper trophy…

Plenty of players got run outs in Riyadh, with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Javi Manquillo and Lascelles playing most of the game. And it was also a chance to see some young players in action, with the likes of Lewis Miley and Alex Murphy coming on.

All in all, it was a good experience for Newcastle. And it could be one they replicate in the future on home soil.

Ghodoussi’s message to Al Hilal

After the game, Toon co-owner Ghodoussi took to Twitter to thank their Saudi opponents. And he also appeared to confirm that a rematch is on the horizon.

He wrote: “Thank you for welcoming us so warmly and being such gracious hosts. We look forward to hosting you in Newcastle soon.”

So will Al Hilal be heading to St James’ Park in the summer of 2023? It sounds like another friendly is on the cards – but this time at St James’ Park.

This game has came at a strange time. The Premier League has been put on hold by the World Cup, meaning Newcastle arranged a warm weather training camp to stay fresh and also regain some match fitness.

And given the heat, the Middle East was the ideal destination. It is why plenty of Premier League teams go there for winter training.

But there won’t be a similarly lengthy break like this in the future – except for in the summer when the season ends.

Then it will be pre-season, which sounds like the only opportunity for Newcastle to take on Al Hilal again – this time on Tyneside. That would also coincide with their pre-season, so it sounds like a great idea – providing they are looking for cold weather training.