PIF played a key role in a challenging transfer window for Newcastle United, but the hard work does not stop in Saudi Arabia.
The Newcastle United owners sanctioned Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool, having ultimately decided it was best for the club to get rid. That is despite spending the entire summer insisting that he would stay at St James’ Park.
Away from the Isak saga, Newcastle made six senior signings. PIF invested heavily, splashing out more than £250million on new players. It remains too early to tell, but this should prove to be a really significant transfer window for Eddie Howe and his side.
While the British transfer window is now closed, there are still deals being done elsewhere. That includes in Saudi Arabia, where PIF are the majority shareholders of four clubs.
One of those clubs is Al Hilal, who are set to wave goodbye to Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Aleksandar Mitrovic celebrates scoring a goal for Al Hilal.
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Aleksandar Mitrovic set to leave PIF club
In 2023, former Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic left Fulham to sign for Al Hilal for £50million.
The Serbian striker has enjoyed two spectacular seasons playing for the PIF-owned club, scoring 68 goals in 79 appearances in all competitions.
However, his time in Riyadh is coming to an end.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has reported that Mitrovic has agreed a deal to join Qatari side Al-Rayyan.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Romano states that the 30-year-old’s contract at Al Hilal has been terminated, paving the way for him to swap Saudi Arabia for Qatar.
🚨🇶🇦 Al-Rayyan agree deal to sign Aleksandar Mitrović from Al Hilal, here we go!
Permanent move as Mitrović contract has been terminated, ready for new chapter in Qatar. pic.twitter.com/CuY1pwJHxZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 3, 2025
View Tweet
Aleksandar Mitrovic wanted to be Newcastle United’s next Alan Shearer
It was 10 years ago that Mitrovic joined Newcastle United. He arrived at St James’ Park in the summer of 2015, costing £13million from Anderlecht.
There was a lot of excitement upon his arrival. He had supported the Magpies as a kid, with Mitrovic idolising Alan Shearer.
He even had aspirations of emulating the Newcastle United legend in black and white.
Upon his arrival, Mitrovic said: “I also know about the famous players who have played for Newcastle United, like Alan Shearer, who is a hero of mine. I hope I can play like him for this club. It will be an honour.”
The fans were certainly behind Mitrovic, but his Toon career did not play out as he had hoped.
The Serbia international made 72 appearances in total, scoring 17 goals. He was relegated with the Magpies in his first full season, then contributed towards their immediate return to the Premier League.
Mitrovic left Newcastle in February 2018, joining Fulham on loan. After shining at Craven Cottage, the move became permanent that summer.