What Yasir Al-Rumayyan has now said about big changes at Newcastle

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It has been a summer of change for Newcastle United thus far.

Though the incomings at Newcastle have so far been relatively understated, there have been a pair of headline departures – albeit off the pitch.

Indeed, owners PIF have increased their stake in the club following the dual departures of Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi.

Such has been their public-facing presence since the takeover, the news has come as something of a shock.

Supporters on social media were rocked, while some of Eddie Howe’s squad were said to have been bewildered by the news.

Though their time at the club was always said to have been a reasonably short-term plan, there’s little doubt the development has come somewhat out of nowhere.

Now, chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan has spoken.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan speaks as Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi leave Newcastle

Al-Rumayyan released a statement on the club’s official website, reading: “Amanda and Mehrdad will forever have our tremendous thanks and well-wishes as they move on to focus on their other business interests.

“We have achieved so much together since 2021, including achieving Champions League football in our first full season as stewards of this incredible club.

“The ownership group, together with CEO Darren Eales and the club’s executive team, will continue to build on these foundations for long-term, sustainable success for the team and our amazing fans, and we are excited about the future prospects for Newcastle United.”

Yasir Al-Rumayyan has been planning things at Newcastle recently

Newcastle fans don’t often to get see or hear from Al-Rumayyan, though he was in attendance towards the end of the season at St James’ Park.

Back in May, it was suggested the chairman was holding strategy meetings with club officials, so perhaps the wheels were put in motion for the dual departures back then.

Interestingly, it has also been previously reported that it remains unclear as to exactly how Al-Rumayyan feels about manager Howe.

While there is no suggestion Howe’s standing has changed, it is worth noting that he’s likely to seek assurances about where he fits in following the news that Staveley and Ghodoussi have left the club.

It will be fascinating to see if there is any change in the dynamic at Newcastle, particularly with Howe surely needing to improve on what was a turbulent season last time out.