October 7, 2021 saw Newcastle United change forever.
The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund had completed a £305million takeover of the club, ending 14 years of Mike Ashley’s ownership. Supporters rejoiced, no small part down to seeing the back of Ashley, but also with new ambitious owners at the helm, anything felt possible.
That was despite the club sitting 19th in the Premier League table at the time. But the takeover ultimately saw the dreams of many Newcastle fans come true.
A Newcastle with ambition was a dangerous thing for the rest of the Premier League. The club not only survived but thrived, qualifying for the Champions League in the first full season under PIF’s ownership. A Carabao Cup final also teased what was to come.
United’s progress didn’t come in a straight line but reached its summit so far in March 2025 with a 2-1 Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. The victory ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought and finally delivered the day generations of Geordies had longed for.
Another Champions League qualification and more memorable nights in Europe followed, but it couldn’t last.
Here we look back over the past five years since the takeover and the iconic images that tell Newcastle United’s story...