Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) shocked the footballing world on Monday as they announced they had purchased a 75 per cent stake in four of the country's biggest clubs. The top three teams in the division this season - Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr - and second tier champions Al-Ahli.
This news dropped 24 hours before the bombshell story that LIV Golf, backed by PIF, would merge with the PGA tour, immediately bringing an end to a bitter and ongoing legal dispute between the two institutions. The Saudi Arabian wealth fund now have their hands firmly on the biggest golfing organisation in the world - and are beginning to make significant moves in football too.
Prince Abdullah bin Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s minister of sport, claims the recent decision to purchase significant equity in four top-flight clubs is being done with the aim of making the Saudi Pro League one of the biggest in the world. In their quest to upset the footballing apple cart, PIF took a huge step forward at the end of 2022 by persuading five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo to say goodbye to Europe for a stint with Al-Nassr.
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Not content with securing arguably the second-greatest footballer of all time, they're also going after his greatest rival this summer. Lionel Messi is currently tasked with choosing between an emotional return to cash-strapped Barcelona or a lucrative, game-changing deal to become the new face of Saudi football.
Reports in the Middle East suggest the Argentinian is on the cusp of signing for Al-Hilal, who recently finished third in the top flight. Karim Benzema, who recently departed Real Madrid after over a decade, will also be plying his trade in Saudi Arabia next season after deciding against retirement in order to join champions Al-Ittihad on an eye-watering contract.
But how will this affect Newcastle? After all, their majority owners could soon own the bulk of a league that houses 13 of the last 14 Ballon d'Or winners...
There is currently no rule to stop Eddie Howe's side from purchasing or loaning Ronaldo, Messi or Benzema, despite PIF owning majority stakes in all teams involved. It is highly unlikely, however, Newcastle will pursue any of the aforementioned trio as they vow to abide by Financial Fair Play rules, nor will fringe players on Tyneside suddenly start moving to Saudi Arabia for crazy money.
Instead, it is likely we will begin to see more crossed paths between the Magpies and some of the recently-purchased teams. The St James' Park ownership have been open about their desire to build a multi-club structure, similar to Manchester City's 'City Group'.
It is currently being stressed that this current setup in Saudi's top division will not represent a multi-club system - but Newcastle essentially now have close ties to a quartet of Saudi Arabian clubs to potentially loan players to and from, strike commercial partnerships with and play friendlies against.
There will likely be more warm-weather trips to the Middle East too, where Newcastle fans may well get to watch their club take on the likes of Ronaldo, Messi and Benzema.
Man City have a long list of partners that include New York City, Melbourne City, Yokohama F. Marinos, Montevideo City Torque, Girona FC, Sichuan Jiuniu and Mumbai City FC. For Newcastle's ownership there has been significant interest in recently-relegated Belgian side KV Oostende and previous interest was held in Serie A giants Inter Milan.
However, the fact Newcastle now have four separate Saudi teams at an arms length will no doubt irk some rivals.
After all, the north east outfit became public enemy number one in the eyes of many when the controversial takeover was given the green light back in 2021. A portion of Premier League clubs have already expressed concerns over the deal, the impact it will have on the English game going forward and more. This will arguably add to their frustration.
Newcastle are already teeing up a £25m-a-season deal with Saudi events company Sela and are represented by Saudi-backed Noon on their current matchday sleeves. Saudia Airlines sponsored a recent trip to the country in December.
PIF are constantly look at new ways to diversify their portfolio as part of their 'Saudi Vision 2030' - a strategic framework to reduce the country's dependence on oil. This radical, new footballing decision at home won't affect Newcastle too much on a day-to-day level but proves the majority ownership have significant plans to overhaul the current footballing landscape.
