Newcastle United’s takeover by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) was transformational not just for the club, but the current state of Premier League football right now as we know.
Capitalising on the immense potential we had as a ‘sleeping giant’, the takeover ushered in an unprecedented level of success for most of us to experience in our lifetime.
From two Champions League qualifications in the space of three years, to finally winning the elusive major trophy with victory in the 2025 Carabao Cup final, the investment shown by the new owners is unlike anything we’ve ever seen or are likely to see.
And now in a new report published by the PIF, the fund has lavished significant praise for the progress we’ve made over the last three plus years.
The PIF has just released its annual report detailing the progress and results of its financial investments, including LIV Golf and Uber.
In the report, which covers the period between the 2021 takeover up until the end of 2024, the PIF highlights key events that have transpired over the course of the last three years, demonstrating the significant progress we’ve made compared to where both our men’s and women’s teams were back in 2021.
_“Following the PIF-led purchase, the club has transformed its football and commercial capabilities, leading to the club’s recent success on and off the pitch.”_
_“Newcastle United women’s team won the FA Women’s National League Premier Division, securing promotion to the Championship. The club launched its 24/25 season kit in partnership with Adidas, and opened a flagship store at St James’ Park, reinforcing its commercial and brand strategy.”_
With the report strictly focusing on 2024, we can already anticipate a significant mention of March’s win at Wembley and the subsequent qualification for the Champions League two months later.
In recent weeks, we’ve seen Yasir Al-Rumayyan become quite involved in our transfer operations after the disastrous summer window we’ve had.
As both the chairman of the club as well as governor of the PIF, Al-Rumayyan has no doubt had a big say
Within his ‘Governor’s statement’, he affirms the commitment that the PIF has towards investing more and more in its sporting ventures, which would naturally include us.
_“From hosting 30 international events to deepening its presence in sports, sustainability and investment platforms, PIF strengthened its brand as a global convener of idea and capital.”_
_“Before later adding that the work of the PIF both over the last three years and moving forward “demonstrated its commitment to investing for impact and long-term leadership.”_