- Saudi Public Investment Fund still keen on Newcastle United project
- PIF investment yet to reach full potential
- Speculation over pulling the plug on LIV Golf investment
There have been many questions asked about Newcastle United in recent months. From the future of Eddie Howe, to how many players might be on their way out on Tyneside this summer – and now the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
It was speculated that the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund would drop its LIV Golf investment at the end of the 2026 campaign, but they have confirmed they remain committed. Their current investment exceeds $5.3 billion. For Magpies supporters, there are some concerns that investors might pull the plug on their club amid a change in spending strategy.
However, The Athletic journalist, George Caulkin, has brought reassurance to the supporters as owners look set to stay in place.
Speaking on Pod on the Tyne this week, he said: “The response was an emphatic no, that there was no, there were no implications for Newcastle. It was business as usual, sorry to use that cliché, that assurances had been sought and given that Newcastle was carrying on.”
PIF investment in Newcastle United ongoing
There is no doubting that the PIF has changed the fortunes at St James’ Park after a depressing period at the club under Mike Ashley.
The club has already qualified for the Champions League twice and won their first domestic trophy since the 1950s, but the recent news of the PIF venture into LIV Golf had left some concerned over the future of the club.
Caulkin claims that the project in Tyneside is different and that they have yet to reach their full potential.
He said: “LIV felt a lot more as a vanity project in some ways or in a bid to show the power that PIF and maybe Saudi Arabia could have over these leagues.
“At least those inside Newcastle around PIF suggest that Newcastle has not realised the full potential they think that it can have, and that they would rather hold onto it and sell it in the future when it’s worth more.”
The club has been criticised for sportswashing since the PIF arrived in the Premier League, just like Manchester City and Chelsea were in the past.
Caulkin understands the issues with this, but makes it clear that their main objective is to make money.
He added: “I’m not downplaying those concerns, and in fact, you know, the fact that the club can still be used, having a presence in the Premier League, I’m sure it has soft power benefits. But it was put to us right from the start and still is now that this was an investment. This is something that Saudi want to make money on.”
What does the future hold for the Magpies?
While this puts the current climate in a better state, the stress over the future of the club is now there, as the words from Caulkin claim that the idea is to eventually sell the club to make a profit.
Every owner runs their team like a business, but when does that decision come that they have reached their ‘potential’?
The Geordies have usually taken a step up, but this year has been a backwards step, and it looks like a difficult period at the club with several new faces needed in the squad, and serious questions over Eddie Howe’s future.
If they have a few more tough seasons, do they feel they need to cut costs just like they have done with LIV Golf? Time will tell, but more transparency is needed for the Toon Army, as they have been left in the dark for too long.
In other news, Craig Hope confirms Newcastle United star with 122 Premier League appearances will leave this summer.
