One of the biggest stories during this summer transfer window has been the exodus of big name players to Saudi Arabia.
Given the nature of Newcastle’s backing under PIF, reports have linked Eddie Howe’s side with involvement.
Indeed, Ruben Neves has long been touted as a target at St James’ Park but recently sealed a big move away from Wolves to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
Reports had suggested, given the fact the Saudi side are also owned by PIF, that Newcastle could make a loan move for the Portugal international in an attempt to strengthen their midfield.
That, however, is seemingly not the case.
PIF have different strategy for Newcastle
According to iNews, PIF have a different strategy for Newcastle.
They claim Newcastle are not planning to use their Saudi connection to loan Neves this summer.
The report adds PIF have set up a different company to run Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad – who just signed Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante – Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli.
As a result, they say a senior source insist Newcastle will not benefit from any of the moves the PIF-owned clubs in Saudi Arabia are making this summer.
Good to get that cleared up
Obviously, it’s hard to ignore the links between Newcastle and Saudi Arabia. Were they to utilise them and sign players on loan, the controversy would be huge.
So then, it’s good to get the owners’ stance on that cleared up.
No matter what Newcastle do, there will be those against the nature of their backing, but at least such controversial reports on this kind of thing can largely be ignored from here.
With Newcastle seemingly close to signing Sandro Tonali, the need for Neves dissipates somewhat anyway.
Now, it’s about strengthening at St James’ Park, paying little attention to what’s going on in the Saudi Pro League.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
