PIF have been making some major moves in the transfer market this summer.
While Newcastle United have only signed two players, it is PIF’s Saudi clubs who are proving major market forces.
A flurry of top players have made lucrative moves to the Saudi Pro League, with Newcastle’s owners also in charge of Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli.
Indeed, it’s certainly not just a retirement home.
The Saudi League, like it or not, is trying to grow and has seen eye-catching names such as Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and former Celtic winger Jota arrive alongside superstars in Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante.
Al-Hilal have already tried to sign Kylian Mbappe and, while they have seemingly been rejected, it appears they are now ready to move for a Newcastle target.
Saudi club make huge offer to sign Newcastle target Victor Osimhen
Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has been strongly linked with a move to St James’ Park this summer.
The Nigeria international scored 26 goals in 32 games as the Italian side won a first Serie A title in over 30 years last season, establishing himself as one of the leading strikers in Europe.
Having missed out on Mbappe, Al-Hilal are seemingly ready to move.
Sky Sports claim they have launched an offer worth around £120m for the 24-year-old and are prepared to pay him in the region of £1m-per-week.
A huge statement of intent from PIF – but sadly Newcastle operate in a different sphere
While the links with Osimhen were pleasing to see, that kind of money is surely far too much for Newcastle.
Eddie Howe is keen to keep the current wage structure intact and has also stressed the club do not operate with a bottomless pit of resources.
Still, potentially signing the Napoli star would be a huge statement of intent for PIF.
Described as “the best striker in the world” by his agent, moving to the Saudi Pro League would certainly give the division much more credibility.
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