Newcastle United’s Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund owners reportedly have huge plans for the Saudi Pro League in 2026, including a club sale.
It’s been over four years since the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund completed a takeover of Newcastle United.
Since then, the club and football landscape as a whole have changed. PIF have also invested further into football domestically in Saudi Arabia with the acquisition of four Saudi Pro League clubs, Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ali.
Newly-promoted Saudi top-flight side, Neom FC are also owned by a PIF subsidiary of the same name. Brendan Rodgers managed Al Qadsiah, who have disrupted the Saudi ‘big four’ in recent seasons, are owned by Saudi Aramco, an oil company partially owned by PIF.
Meanwhile, PIF invested heavily in Newcastle, which saw the club climb out of relegation trouble to twice qualify for the Champions League and win the Carabao Cup last season.
Amid fears of the project stagnating after the sale of Alexander Isak, PIF have sanctioned the construction of a new £200million state-of-the-art training complex, but the long-term future of St James’ Park remains uncertain with a stadium decision yet to be made.
Around £250million was also invested into the playing squad at the start of the season, but the results have been mixed with the club currently sitting mid-table in the Premier League after 23 games. The Magpies finished 11th following the takeover despite failing to win any of their opening 14 matches.
But back in Saudi Arabia, where PIF’s spending power isn’t limited by Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules or UEFA squad costs, a significant recruitment drive is being planned.
Saudi Pro League transfer plans leaked
According to Saudi transfer expert Ben Jacobs, Saudi clubs are targeting ‘50 peak-age foreign signings this summer’ after the 2026 World Cup. Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Vinicius Junior and Robert Lewandowski are among the biggest names targeted by PIF-owned Saudi clubs.
Central funding of up to €2billion per season is also allocated to Saudi clubs from the Saudi Ministry of Sport to be spent on transfer fees and wages for younger players. It’s part of the Saudi Pro League’s contingency plans for when Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr expires in 2027 to help mitigate the expected loss of interest in the league when the Portuguese football icon leaves or retires.
Other Premier League names linked with the Saudi Pro League include Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana of Aston Villa, as well as Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli.
PIF club sales expected
Al Hilal are expected to be sold to a new private investor this year, with the Saudi Ministry of Sport currently working to facilitate a change of ownership. But PIF will continue to invest and develop football in Saudi Arabia, building up to the World Cup hosted by the nation in 2034. Back in the Premier League, Newcastle will be hoping for some fresh investment on and off the pitch in 2026.
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