PIF preparing ‘world-record bid’ away from Newcastle United after one year of talks

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PIF have almost broken Newcastle United’s transfer record this summer, and now they could be targeting an even bigger record.

The purse strings are very much open, with Newcastle trying to sign Hugo Ekitike. The Magpies offered £70million, which would have made him Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever.

However, that deal is now off as Ekitike heads to Liverpool.

But the intent was certainly there from the Newcastle United owners, as they go back to the drawing board.

PIF eye Vinicius Junior transfer, but not for Newcastle United

Away from Newcastle United, PIF have even bigger plans as they ponder breaking the world transfer record to bring Vinicius Junior to Saudi Arabia.

That is according to TalkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, who reports that PIF-club Al-Ahli have been ‘earmarked’ as the Saudi club to sign Vinicius from Real Madrid.

The report adds that Saudi dealmakers are prepared to make a ‘world record bid’ of £302million to get the Brazilian superstar away from the Santiago Bernabeu. That would eclipse Paris Saint-Germain’s £200million deal for Neymar in 2017.

Vinicius has been in talks over a move to the Saudi Pro League for more than a year, but he currently wants to remain at Real Madrid. His current contract expires in 2027, with talks over an extension ongoing.

That could scupper Saudi plans, but there is not necessarily a rush to strike a deal. TalkSPORT add that they hope to sign Vinicius within the next three years.

Newcastle United are not PIF’s top priority as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium decision awaits

While they have grand plans for Newcastle United, PIF’s footballing ambition goes beyond the North East of England.

That has become more and more evident in recent months due to PIF’s involvement with the Club World Cup. They partnered with FIFA and invested in broadcaster DAZN, which effectively saw them fund the tournament. That benefitted Chelsea, who picked up £84million by winning the entire thing.

PIF could also become more directly involved in English football, as Tottenham Hotspur get set to sell the naming rights to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A PIF subsidiary is in talks with Spurs, but it is currently unclear if that would represent a conflict of interests given their stake in Newcastle United.