The controversial multi-club model made famous by Manchester City could soon be coming to Newcastle United.
The Public Investment Fund are reportedly keen to advance the multi-club proposal at Newcastle United.
A trend initiated by Manchester City - whose holding company City Football Group boast 13 clubs worldwide - the controversial model can benefit player development, brand expansion, and finances on a global scale.
Currently, nine Premier League clubs employ a multi-club approach, with Chelsea famously promoting Liam Rosenior from Strasbourg to become first-team coach. Critics highlight the anti-competitiveness of the system, with Crystal Palace being demoted to the Conference League this season due to Lyon’s participation in the Europa League.
On the whole, fans have slammed the multi-club model. At Strasbourg - who also lost stars Mamadou Sarr and Emmanuel Emegha to Chelsea - supporters have protested against the ownership, believing they are becoming a “feeder club” to the more renowned Premier League side.
Newcastle United to target multi-club model
The Daily Mail claim Newcastle staff have been told to prepare as PIF plan to launch their multi-club setup. Mainland Europe - such as France or Belgium - is the preferred destination.
This would allow the Magpies to attract talented youngsters on the continent via their “feeder” club. Changes to regulations since Brexit prevent Premier League clubs from signing players under 18.
New Toon CEO David Hopkinson has not been shy about wanting to propel Newcastle into the global elite by 2030. Following suit to Man City - and the benefits that may bring - would give the Magpies another string to their bow on their ambitious journey.
Amanda Staveley on multi-club model
While no longer co-owner, Amanda Staveley revealed Newcastle were looking at a multi-club system as far back as 2024. She said: “We’ve looked at Belgium, we’ve looked at European markets, we’ve looked in Asia, Australia, we’ve looked in Brazil… pretty much everything.
“We’ve looked at every market and getting players through our academy system and through that multi-club model would be very helpful in terms of allowing us to buy and have players as part of our journey earlier on.”
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What David Hopkinson said about 2030 vision
Speaking to talkSPORT earlier this month, Newcastle chief Hopkinson reiterated his plan to fire the club into the elite bracket. He said: “The No.1 thing I talk to the ownership about is ambition. That’s the magic word here. We have total alignment on that.
“This is a club that, by 2030, will be consistently contending for the top prizes in global football. We have a lot of wood to chop between here and there. When I see Newcastle United, everywhere I look, I see opportunity.”
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