Although Newcastle United have been held back by PSR, it has not stopped PIF spending heavily elsewhere.
The last 12 months have been poor from an arrivals perspective for fans – just one player, Lewis Hall has had any major impact on Eddie Howe’s squad.
The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) are majority stakeholder in Newcastle United but has not been able to use their mega net worth to their full potential on Tyneside.
Off the pitch, it could soon be a different story with the PIF jetting to Newcastle to decide the future of St James’ Park. Recent reports have also revealed plans for Newcastle’s new training ground which would see the Magpies move to a new state-of-the-art complex in the coming years.
- READ MORE – Eddie Howe addresses his involvement in Newcastle United’s new training ground development
However, PSR has forced Newcastle to be tame in recent transfer windows, despite the PIF’s ability to fund lucrative transfers. Fans have already gotten a glimpse of just how much they can spend – Alexander Isak joined Newcastle for £63m, a club record fee.
While Newcastle continues to struggle to establish themselves in the transfer market, PIF are planning a mega-money move for one of football’s biggest stars.
PIF eyeing Vinicius Junior Saudi move amid Newcastle woes
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior is widely regarded as one of the best footballers in the world right now. The Brazilian came second in the vote for the Ballon d’Or in 2024, losing out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
As well as Newcastle, PIF owns four Saudi Pro League clubs, Al-Alhi, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilan and Al-Nassr. In the last 18 months, those clubs have spent heavily in the transfer market. Bringing highly regarded players like Neymar, Jhon Duran and former Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to the league.
Now, according to TeamTalk, PIF is considering a blockbuster bid for Vini Jr which could be worth around £290m for the winger in the summer. A bid of that value would smash the existing world record transfer fee by almost £100m.
The record states that Al-Alhi are the allocated club for him, while Al-Hilal focuses on a move for Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. Al-Alhi are looking to sign a big-name star for the left wing and believes that Vini Jr fits the bill. Should the Brazilian move to Al-Alhi, he would be linking up with former Premier League stars Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and former Newcastle man Ivan Toney.
- READ MORE – £73m PSR development confirmed as PIF and Newcastle United attend official talks in London
PIF transfer speculation a blow to Newcastle fans
With spending becoming more lucrative in football, Newcastle fans will undoubtedly be left thinking where the club could be if they could spend more freely in the transfer market.
Magpies sporting director Paul Mitchell has overhauled the transfer strategy to adhere to modern league rules and ensure the club can still sign highly rated players at a lower price. While it is a sustainable strategy, fans want to see more big-money signings move to Tyneside.
PIF have the spending power to do that but PSR has forced Newcastle into a corner that they are currently struggling to fight their way out of.
Howe has commented in the past about “short-term pain for long-term gain.” The club may be nearing the end of that pain as Newcastle could spend more freely in the summer transfer window, thanks to a recent Associated Party Transaction (APT) ruling and a £73m PSR boost they will receive once the losses from three years ago drop off the FFP cycle.
PIF has given Newcastle fans a teaser of what they could see in the near future if things go their way.
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