- PIF chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan watches Newcastle United beat Brighton
- Al-Rumayyan speaks to Magpies players after match
- Eddie Howe on what PIF boss did
Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan was at St James’ Park to watch Newcastle United beat Brighton on Saturday afternoon, and turned heads with what he did after the match.
It’s been a big week on Tyneside with PIF officials flying into the North East to hold talks with those high up in the football club, including manager Eddie Howe, following a dismal run in form.
All eyes were on the luxury Matfen Hall in Northumberland as meetings were held but Magpies supporters will only feel the ramifications of those discussions in the months and seasons to come.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe on Yasir Al-Rumayyan interaction
Al-Rumayyan used to be a frequent figure at St James’ Park in the early days of PIF tenure but has been less present this season. Nonetheless, the 56-year-old watched the victory over Brighton alongside Jamie Reuben.
After the match, Rumayyan and Reuben headed down to the pitch and could be seen kicking a ball to one another. It was a rebirth of a tradition previously established by the duo.
Al-Rumayyan could also be seen talking with Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga. The two were out on the pitch to get some yards in having been unused substitutes in the match.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the win, Howe also confirmed that the owners had been into the changing room to speak to the players.
When asked if there’s extra desire to play well in front of the PIF chief, the Magpies boss said: “Yes, of course. We want to win every week regardless of who’s coming to watch us, but the owners have been very supportive.
“They were great with the players after the game. They had a quick chat with them. They’re very invested, and they want to see the best for the football club, and we have to do our bit.”
PIF meet with Newcastle United officials this week
Recent weeks have seen PIF take a step back from their investment in LIV Golf with a priority restructure to focus on more sustainable financial projects. It had cast some doubt over the group’s long term plans with Newcastle United, but PIF are reported to still be committed to the cause.
In his pre-match press conference, when asked about the talks this week, Howe had said: “It was an opportunity to see a lot of the people I haven’t seen in a while. Obviously, the owners and representatives of PIF were over and it was constructive, good meetings. Obviously, I was a small part of that.
“But yeah, always constructive because I think they clearly care so much about the football club, the long-term planning that’s clearly going on on a number of levels.
“Very exciting times, as I said, ahead, I think, for the club, regardless of what happens short-term. So, the long-term vision is clearly there.”
In other news, Newcastle United Player Ratings: ‘Superb’ 9/10 and ‘metronome’ 8 as Brighton beaten.
