Despite being owned by the incredibly wealthy PIF, Newcastle United are struggling financially right now.
That is because of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, with PSR stopping Newcastle United from investing and evolving their squad without selling players first.
It has led to talk of someone like Alexander Isak or Bruno Guimaraes leaving, which would be completely counterproductive.
Instead, the Magpies will move on some of their fringe players, with Newcastle United needing to sell before they buy.
That is an issue for multiple Premier League clubs, with PSR causing countless problems up and down the division.
Manchester United could sell Casemiro amid PSR problem
It is even an issue at Manchester United, with their years of wasteful spending catching up on them.
Ruben Amorim is not going to be able to strengthen his squad in January without moving some players on first, with various players linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
One of those players is Casemiro – the 32-year-old midfielder who was dominated by Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton on Monday night during Newcastle’s win over Man United.
The Brazil international is one of Man United’s highest earners, but is now playing like a shadow of his former self.
That could result in the Red Devils getting rid.
PIF club interested in Casemiro
But how do you get rid of an ageing midfielder who is on massive money at this time of year? Well, Saudi Arabia could come calling.
According to the Daily Mail, Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are interested in signing Casemiro from Manchester United this month.
They report that Al-Qadsiah are also keen on the former Real Madrid superstar.
PIF signing Casemiro would anger Newcastle fans
A move for Casemiro to Al-Nassr would certainly frustrate Newcastle United fans, as they are also owned by PIF.
The Saudi investment fund are the majority owners of four clubs in the Saudi Pro League, one of which is Al-Nassr. That is where the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane play.
Now they could add Casemiro to their star-studded squad, and help Manchester United get out of their financial hole.
That would be infuriating for the Toon Army, who have barely benefitted from their ties to the Saudi Pro League. The Magpies have only done one deal, with Allan Saint-Maximin joining Al-Ahli in 2023. And even that transfer came under massive scrutiny.
If Al-Nassr were to sign Casemiro, it would reaffirm the fact that Newcastle United are not PIF’s sole priority. Instead, we are just one part of their global portfolio.
If Newcastle were PIF’s top priority, efforts would be made to resolve the Magpies’ PSR concerns, while other PIF clubs would not actively help our rivals. Sadly, that is what will happen if Casemiro leaves Man United and joins Al-Nassr.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
