It has been a dramatic few days for Newcastle United owners PIF amid major updates on Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak.
On Friday, Newcastle rejected an offer from Liverpool for Isak, with the Reds then suggesting they would be willing to walk away given the costs involved.
Fewer than 24 hours later, Newcastle made a club-record bid for Sesko, and it remains to be seen if there’s ever a world in which the two play together under Eddie Howe.
PIF’s takeover was transformative for the club but the Newcastle United owners have been dealing with criticism of late.
Isak is unhappy at Newcastle’s supposed lack of ambition, while there have been suggestions that players have been put off moving to St James’ Park.
Still, an emphatic response has now emerged.
Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-rumayyan is seen at a golf event in Scotland.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
PIF remain ambitious at Newcastle United
According to journalist Lee Ryder of The Chronicle on social media platform X, Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian owners remain ambitious.
Two officials from PIF are working closely with Howe at the team’s hotel in Seoul, with the Newcastle United manager making it clear that he wants to sign Sesko. That may not depend on Isak’s future, and is a potential indication of the statement Newcastle would like to make this summer.
PIF and the rest of the ownership are said to be aware that they are in danger of being overtaken given the dreadful nature of this transfer window, and still want Newcastle to be a “permanent fixture” in the Premier League’s top five.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
They have a much better chance of that with both strikers in the squad.
Newcastle United baffled by Liverpool and respond in emphatic fashion
It would be foolish to confidently say that either Isak or Sesko will be at Newcastle next season. There have been so many twists and turns this summer, fans could be forgiven for not getting too excited just yet.
Manchester United continue to be linked with Sesko, while Liverpool could theoretically return for Isak.
Still, the Magpies are at least starting to show that they cannot be bullied this summer.
Indeed, Newcastle are baffled and angry at Liverpool because of their approach for Isak, with The Daily Mail suggesting it was £10million less than the informal offer they floated earlier this summer.
To have responded to so many doubts in such an emphatic manner is impressive. Not only have they rejected a huge bid, they’ve now made one.
How long it lasts, however, is up for debate.