Newcastle United figures think PIF are set to break one big promise as stadium plans ramp up

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Newcastle United fans eagerly anticipate a decision over stadium development plans, but all may not be as it seems for PIF.

There are two opinions on the table at Newcastle – develop St James’ Park or build a new stadium. It’s been a topic of discussion among fans since Newcastle’s Saudi-backed takeover in 2021.

Newcastle have run a series of feasibility studies to understand what is possible at St James’ Park. The idea is that the Gallowgate End would be expanded to increase the ground’s capacity to around 60,000.

It would come at a cost, however, with St James’ Park’s expansion estimated to cost around £1billion – in comparison, a new stadium is billed at around £3bn.

While a core group of fans would rather stay at St James’ Park, fans are warming up to Newcastle building a new ground.

Newcastle’s chief operating office Brad Miller admitted there were two options for stadium plans, expand St James’ Park or build a new stadium “not too far away” from the existing site.

One area fans believe is being considered is Leazes Park which is just a stone’s throw away from the existing site.

However, a new report now suggests the PIF could drop a major bombshell on stadium plans.

Doubts over whether PIF will invest in Newcastle’s plans

Whatever decision is made, it needs to be approved by the PIF officials. It’s a huge decision to make, but one fans will soon hear – Newcastle are expected to announce their stadium plans in March.

Amidst the plans, there looks to be a fairly major problem. The Athletic has reported that there are doubts that the PIF will provide the necessary funds, despite insistence from Saudi hierarchy that it will.

The lack of belief comes from Newcastle insiders, with one repeatedly claiming that “they won’t invest”. Some insiders claim that they don’t believe it will happen due to a lack of investment in a state-of-the-art training ground despite the takeover happening over three years ago.

Club CEO Darren Eales has previously reiterated the PIF’s willingness to invest, however, stating that the PIF are “behind us”.

The PIF are aware that stadium development has always been a part of the business plan within the club but they are keen to see a return on their investment.

How the PIF feel about Newcastle’s stadium plans

A decision on stadium plans has been labelled as “once-in-a-generation” by Newcastle bosses with Miller claiming he only wants to write a sizeable cheque once.

Whatever decision is made, it needs to be the right one for the sake of the club and its fans. The PIF are open to staying at St James’ Park following crunch talks with Newcastle’s fan advisory board. Eddie Howe has also publicised his desire to stay at St James’ Park.

While the Gallowgate’s expansion would give Newcastle the British equivalent of Borussia Dortmund’s Yellow Wall, there’s little to no room for further expansion in the future.

The East Stand is restricted to its smaller size due to the listed buildings that sit behind it – something Toon bosses are bound to have considered when making a decision on St James’ Park’s future.