Newcastle United

The Newcastle United Football Club announced Thursday it has officially been sold to an ownership group with ties to Saudi Arabia.

The team was sold for $415 million (£305 million), per The Telegraph's Uche Amako. The investment group is led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and also comprises PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media.

An agreement was originally reached in April 2020, but the PIF—a state investment fund overseen by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—failed to pass the Premier League's owners' and directors' test at the time. Prior to the completion of the sale, the Premier League had to receive legal assurances regarding the ownership of the team.

The Premier League said in a statement: "The legal disputes concerned which entities would own and/or have the ability to control the club following the takeover. ... The Premier League has now received legally binding assurances that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not control Newcastle United Football Club."

The sale to a Saudi Arabia-led investment group is sure to ignite controversy, considering the country's human rights record and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, was vocally critical of the Saudi government and his murder was found by the U.S. intelligence community to have been directly ordered by bin Salman.

The move was met with opposition from human rights groups, most notably Amnesty International. Prior to the acquisition becoming official, Amnesty International chief executive Sacha Deshmukh said on Wednesday that his organization had "urged the Premier League to change their owners' and directors' test to address human rights issues," per the BBC.

Amnesty International warned the Premier League that Saudi Arabia is attempting to fix its reputation by "sportswashing."

"As with Formula One, elite boxing, golf or tennis, an association with top-tier football is a very attractive means of rebranding a country or person with a tarnished reputation," Deshmukh said. "The Premier League needs to better understand the dynamic of sportswashing and tighten its ownership rules."

Multiple reports say the finalization of the deal was facilitated by the end of a longstanding piracy dispute with Qatar-based broadcaster beIN Sports, which owns rights to show Premier League matches in the Middle East. The broadcaster had been banned in Saudi Arabia, but its content was then allegedly pirated by a Saudi-state-run broadcaster beoutQ.

After beIN Corporation launched an international investment arbitration against Saudi Arabia seeking damages of more than $1 billion, the Saudis reportedly sought to reach a settlement. The Premier League was able to focus on settling its other disputes with Saudi Arabia once the broadcast rights were no longer an issue.

Newcastle United expressed its satisfaction with the acquisition, saying in a press release that the deal "benefits all stakeholders and will leave Newcastle United well-placed to pursue a clear, long-term strategy"

"We are extremely proud to become the new owners of Newcastle United, one of the most famous clubs in English football," Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of PIF, said in the press release. "We thank the Newcastle fans for their tremendously loyal support over the years and we are excited to work together with them."

Newcastle United is winless in the 2021-22 Premier League season with three draws and four losses. The club will be back in action Oct. 17 against Tottenham Hotspur.

Newcastle United's potential £300 million takeover by a Saudi Arabia-backed consortium has not even been completed, yet big-name transfer rumours are already landing on Tyneside.

Antoine Griezmann, Edinson Cavani, Philippe Coutinho and Timo Werner are among the elite talent suddenly tipped to arrive, while Mauricio Pochettino and Massimiliano Allegri are both linked to become the side's next manager.

It's undoubtedly an exciting time for supporters, but now they need to separate fantasy from reality, because the superstars and glory days will not arrive overnight.

The simple truth is they cannot blitz the transfer market this summer. The prospect of buying success in a manner similar to Chelsea or Manchester City in the past is almost impossible with current financial fair play rules.

But B/R reached out to several sources with insight on the takeover from PCP Capital Partners, which is headed by Amanda Staveley and backed by the Saudi Arabia royal family's Public Investment Fund, and the feeling is that they could still spend up to £150 million in the next transfer window.

The message is that we should expect signings to arrive once the takeover is signed off, which could be in in the next two to three weeks.

It is understood the new consortium are under no illusions about how they must approach the task in hand at Newcastle. Their ambitions are big, but the road to the very top might take a few years. It could take time to break into the Premier League's traditional big six—which is the ultimate goal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uzGsHIf_Ko

Forget about names like Griezmann, Cavani and Werner for now. That tier of player will not arrive this year because of the team's current status as much as anything to do with financing.

Newcastle have not won a major trophy since 1955 and are placed 13th in the table this season. To use one example, a source told B/R, "Edinson Cavani has not jumped at a transfer to Atletico Madrid and has also turned down offers from clubs in Italy so far, so why would he want to join Newcastle?"

For now, there's no Champions League-level boss arriving either. Current manager Steve Bruce will see out this season, and at this stage, insiders are adamant there has been no approach for Pochettino, or Allegri, or anyone else.  

But with all this said, changes will start to be implemented this summer, and the most exciting prospect being mooted among those in the know is of a new No. 9.

While the names already mentioned here might not turn up at Newcastle, it is understood they will look to recruit a proven goalscorer.

Newcastle are expected to look at players in the bracket beneath Griezmann and Co., with Lyon's Moussa Dembele mentioned to B/R as a possible option.

Coutinho seems to have been linked out of circumstance more than substance, given his career at Barcelona is in flux and he has a desire to return to the Premier League. So it is difficult to read too much into that situation just yet.

However, the fact the club do not have a huge wage bill at this time is going to be a bonus when it comes to drawing up targets. We have seen at clubs such as Arsenal how a hefty wage bill can impact on potential signings.

Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton are the current highest earners, with Shelvey on around £80,000 a week and the Brazilian forward picking up slightly more. Joelinton was brought in as the club's new £40 million star striker last year but has scored just one goal from 27 Premier League starts.

Coutinho earns approximately £240,000 a week—three times what Shelvey makes—so a signing like that would make a significant difference to the pay structure. 

Away from signings, there are plenty of exciting, and intriguing, things to look out for once this takeover gets the green light.

A few of the plans suggested to B/R are: 

- Work to begin immediately on the academy and training ground to make it one of the best places in the country to get a football education. 

- A director of football is almost certain to be brought in—and that appointment will provide the spark for further changes behind the scenes. It might even be the trigger that leads to a new manager.

- Look out for a major event happening at St James' Park, as the new ownership team aim to win over the city. One insider told B/R there had already been talk about the idea of staging a world heavyweight boxing fight at the stadium.

This takeover is a big deal, and it really could lead to some amazing times for Newcastle United.

Listen to Dean on the B/R Football Ranks podcast. New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe here.

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Floyd Mayweather Jr. has made himself a surprise candidate to buy Newcastle United.  

At an event in the the city on Sunday, he responded to a question about potentially taking over the Premier League club with a tease likely to excite many Magpies fans.

Per TMZ Sports, the former six-weight boxing champion said:

"In the U.S. we call it soccer, but the Newcastle football team is an unbelievable team. If the people want me to buy the Newcastle team, let me know."

Newcastle's current owner, Mike Ashley, took over the club in 2007.

He is not a popular figure at St. James' Park, and it has recently been reported that a £340 million takeover involving the Saudi royal family could be in the offing, per MailOnline's Craig Hope.

Per TMZ Sports, Mayweather, 43, made in the region of $1 billion (£756.5 million) during his boxing career.

The American's first professional bout was against Roberto Apodaca in October 1996, and after winning his most recent fight against Conor McGregor in August 2017, he bowed out of the sport for a third time with a perfect 50-0 record.

Money said at the end of last year, though, that he would come out of retirement in 2020:

Money Mayweather coming back? pic.twitter.com/Xs6kgpOwKc

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 22, 2019

It would help with funding any bid he might make for Newcastle, who will be hopeful of retaining their Premier League status in 2020.

Steve Bruce's side earned a vital 1-0 win at Southampton on Saturday to move up to 13th in the table, eight points clear of the drop.

They have nine games remaining in the 2019-20 season and may already have enough points to secure their top-flight future for another term.

But Bruce will be warning his side against complacency and looking towards Saturday's home fixture against in-form Sheffield United. 

Chelsea slipped to a surprise 1-0 Premier League loss on Saturday against Newcastle United at St James' Park.

The Blues dominated after half-time, with Newcastle closest to scoring in the first half, but neither side had a clinical edge in the final third of the pitch.

Newcastle stole the victory in the 94th minute of the game when Isaac Hayden headed home at the death.

BBC Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker shared Newcastle legend Alan Shearer's reaction as Hayden hit the back of the net:

Think @alanshearer enjoyed that smash and grab. 🤣🤣🙋‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/AfYxsIm8Ph

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 18, 2020

The Magpies had lost Netherlands international Jetro Willems to injury after just 12 minutes when the defender challenged Callum Hudson-Odoi, leading to him being stretchered off.

Steve Bruce quickly reorganised, and it was the hosts who almost took the lead midway through the first half.

Joelinton's well-timed header from Emil Krafth's excellent cross smashed the crossbar after 33 minutes, and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga appeared beaten.

The Blues failed to find their groove before half-time, despite dominating possession. Tammy Abraham was isolated up the pitch as Chelsea's midfield lacked tempo.

An even first half concluded with an improvement from Frank Lampard's men, and Willian and N'Golo Kante spurned chances to take an advantage back into the dressing room.

Newcastle were immediately on the back foot in the second half. Chelsea began to turn the screw and showed better intent in dangerous areas.

Mason Mount's pass allowed Willian an excellent opportunity to score, but the Brazilian's effort was weak and rolled the wrong side of the post.

Alex Goldberg of The Byline podcast lamented the miss:

Ahh what a chance!

Good hold-up from Tammy, Mount feeds Willian, shot wide w/ the left.

F*ck.

— Goals Side (@goalsside) January 18, 2020

Newcastle's low block was intended to frustrate their opponents, but Chelsea grew in confidence as they chased an opener. The Magpies were clearly eyeing counter-attack chances and tried to burst out from deep with pace.

The home team had willing runners across the field. However, Chelsea's craft started to monopolise the game.

Lampard brought the returning Ross Barkley off the bench for Mount in the second half. It was the former Everton player's second Premier League appearance since suffering a foot injury against Newcastle last October.

Chelsea continued to increase the pressure when Abraham rounded the 'keeper, only to fire into the side netting, and the league's fourth-placed side could taste victory.

The Blues overloaded the box in the 90th minute, desperate to force the win, but a suckerpunch saw Newcastle grab a shocking victory.

Allan Saint-Maximin's last-ditch cross was met by the raiding Hayden deep into stoppage time, and the midfielder nodded past Kepa to send St James' Park into wild delirium.

                

What's Next

Both clubs are involved in midweek Premier League matches on Tuesday. The Magpies are on Merseyside to play Everton, and the Blues feature in a London derby against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle United midfielder Matthew Longstaff has said he went to bed dreaming of his match-winning performance against Manchester United at St. James' Park.

Longstaff, 19, made his senior Newcastle debut at home to the Red Devils on Sunday and scored the only goal of the game. He told reporters about when he found out he'd be starting in Steve Bruce's XI and his mental preparations for the clash:

"Getting to play with Sean was unbelievable. We used to kick each other in the garden growing up so to be on the same team, for our hometown club, and to win against Man Utd, who are a good side, is a bit surreal.

"I found out I was in the team after training yesterday. Your belly starts to turn a bit, you get a bit nervous and then you don't sleep much.

"Last night you go to bed dreaming of it but you never really think it will happen. I'm over the moon."

Matthew's older brother, Sean, is an established part of the Newcastle lineup, but his younger sibling outshone him on this occasion, via Sky Sports and Fox Soccer (U.S. and UK viewers only):

Man United are behind at Newcastle! 😬

It's the local boy, 19-year-old Matty Longstaff with the goal on his Premier League debut.

(via @NBCSportsSoccer)pic.twitter.com/FqviDONgJs

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 6, 2019

There are plenty of teenagers around the world who will empathise with his level of excitement ahead of his Premier League debut, having gathered much attention in Newcastle's youth ranks over the past year.

Longstaff previously played the full 90 minutes against Leicester City in this season's EFL Cup, when his team went on to lose the second-round clash 5-3 on penalties.

Both Longstaff brothers come highly rated within the Newcastle ranks, and elder sibling Sean has been linked with several elite clubs already this year, including Manchester United, per the Sunday Times' Martin Hardy.

Bruce will surely be hopeful of keeping the two brothers in his lineup for as long as possible. Soccer AM shared a look at the healthy competition they've ignited in Newcastle's midfield:

"I thought he was the best player but I'll take it!" 😂

Love the Longstaff brothers! 👌 pic.twitter.com/AIAuiGIKz1

— Soccer AM (@SoccerAM) October 6, 2019

Sky Sports' Keith Downie also praised Bruce for his role in handing Longstaff his first taste of top-flight minutes:

Brave call for Steve Bruce to throw in a teenager who’d never kicked a ball in the Premier League before. The Newcastle boss has been saying since he arrived Matty Longstaff has stood out in training. He stood out a mile on the pitch, too #NUFC

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) October 6, 2019

Newcastle fans will hope there are plenty more moments of heroism in store for Longstaff, an academy product only just starting out his professional journey.

Granted, this United team may not be the most talented that's travelled to St. James' Park in recent years, but that won't have diluted Longstaff's fantasy feat in the slightest.

Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of Steve Bruce as their new manager on a three-year contract after the Englishman resigned from his role as Sheffield Wednesday boss. 

The Magpies confirmed Bruce as Rafael Benitez's successor on Wednesday, and the 58-year-old said he is relishing the challenge that awaits at St James' Park:

“There is a huge challenge ahead of us, but it’s one that my staff and I are ready for. We’ll roll our sleeves up and we’ll be giving it everything from the off to ensure supporters have a successful team that they can be proud of.”

Read more: https://t.co/BTjZACgqtb #NUFC pic.twitter.com/IWdJLsp34K

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 17, 2019

A boyhood Newcastle fan but former Sunderland manager, Bruce had only been in charge of Wednesday since February.

However, he emerged as the leading candidate to replace Benitez after the Spaniard left at the end of June, and he will now take up his first Premier League job since he was relegated with Hull City in 2015:

Steve Bruce's record in the Premier League:

• 392 games
• 110 wins
• 109 draws
• 173 losses

Returns to the top-flight after a three year absence. pic.twitter.com/Ldq0idjpML

— Squawka (@Squawka) July 17, 2019

Newcastle will be the 10th club Bruce has managed since he cut his teeth in the dugout with Sheffield United back in 1998-99.

The former centre-back was successful as a player, most notably winning three Premier League titles and a European Cup Winners' Cup with Manchester United. 

Bruce's credentials as a manager, though, cannot come close to matching those of his predecessor at Newcastle.

Benitez was appointed Magpies boss in 2016 having managed Valencia, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Napoli and Real Madrid, and boasting a trophy haul that included two La Liga titles, the UEFA Cup, the UEFA Europa League, the FA Cup, the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Champions League.

He went down to the Championship with Newcastle in 2016 but immediately led them back up by winning the title in 2016-17, and he then oversaw 10th and 13th-place finishes in the Premier League.

Bruce will do well to match those results given the quality of his squad, and he may well have to prepare himself for a relegation battle in 2019-20. 

Newcastle United have signed Atlanta United star Miguel Almiron on a five-and-a-half-year deal.

The Magpies announced the capture of the Paraguay international on Thursday:

We are delighted to announce the signing of forward Miguel Almirón from @ATLUTD.

The 24-year-old has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal which will keep him at St. James' Park until June 2024.

Full story: https://t.co/5NxxCEHhNx #NUFC pic.twitter.com/a5MV5QBTum

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 31, 2019

The attacking midfielder said one of the key reasons he opted for the move to Newcastle was to work under manager Rafael Benitez, per the club statement:

"I'm very happy and eager to start and to meet my new team-mates. The league is very competitive, this is a historic club, and Rafa Benitez himself were the main reasons why I am here now. I think it is a great responsibility, something beautiful for me, and I will try to offer the best I can to repay the trust the club put in me."

Per BBC Sport, Almiron has joined for a club-record fee of around £20 million, surpassing the £16 million the club paid for Michael Owen's move from Real Madrid in 2005.

The 24-year-old has arrived after two successful seasons in Major League Soccer, which culminated in him playing a key role for Atlanta as they won the MLS Cup for the first time in 2018.

OptaJoe provided his impressive numbers last season:

10+ - Miguel Almirón was one of only six players to record double figures for both goals and assists (13 goals, 11 assists) in Major League Soccer 2018 (incl. playoffs). Magpie? pic.twitter.com/D4g9z3Yxem

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 29, 2019

Almiron was named in MLS' Best XI and All-Star sides in both campaigns and was also named MLS' Newcomer of the Year in 2017 following his arrival from Argentinian outfit Lanus.

Roberto Rojas of the Low Limit Futbol podcast and Atlanta United reporter Doug Roberson gave some insight as to what Newcastle fans can expect from their new signing:

He is also a player that works hard to track back on defense just as good as he is offensively, a free kick specialist as well with a good shot. While he does get fouled a lot but does so to win those fouls, the importance to his teammates and rivals is clearly there instantly.

— Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97) January 29, 2019

For #NUFC supporters wanting to know a bit about Almiron:
Fast;
Strong left foot;
Weak right foot;
Good vision;
Works hard to track back on defense;
Decent shooter;
Stays healthy;
Finds good positions;
Goes to ground easily to win fouls;
Coachable;#newcastle#ATLUTD#MLS#PL

— Doug Roberson (@DougRobersonAJC) January 29, 2019

His arrival should serve as a major boost for the Toon, who have spent the season once again battling against relegation.

Newcastle have scored just 21 goals from 24 Premier League matches this season, and they've only managed three in a single league game once. Only Huddersfield Town and Cardiff City have netted fewer.

The Premier League will be a step up for Almiron, but if he can find his feet quickly, he could provide the creative and goalscoring spark the Magpies need to secure survival.

Former Manchester United star and current pundit Rio Ferdinand has come to the defence of Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, saying it's only natural for him not to spend money on the club while he's trying to sell it.

As reported by the Chronicle's Kristan Heneage and Tom Marshall-Bailey Ferdinand has previously defended the controversial owner and did so again before Saturday's Premier League clash with Chelsea:

"I understand Rafa’s frustrations because as a manager you want the ability to go out and spend money, but they’re not in that position.

"At the same time I understand Mike Ashley. Why is he going to spend more and more money - millions and millions of pounds - when he’s actually looking to sell the club? He’s got them to a point now where they’re back in the Premier League and they’re consolidating to a certain extent.

"He’s not going to go spend his own money. You wouldn’t go spend your own money now knowing you were trying to sell something unless you knew you were going to get that back.

"It’s not easy to sell a football club. He’s got a price and he’s going to wait to get it. He’s spent money at that football club, he’s just not going to spend it at this time."

He also said Magpies fans shouldn't aim to be at the level of Manchester United or Manchester City but rather try to emulate a club like Bournemouth.

BT Sport shared more from Ferdinand, who said fans should be thankful for the investments Ashley did to get them back to the Premier League and the hiring of manager Rafa Benitez:

"I don't even know him [Mike Ashley] very well!"

"When they went down, he spent £50m of his own money to get them up. Thank you, that should be."

"By the way, please say thank you for getting Rafa Benítez in! They're lucky to have him!"@rioferdy5 on Newcastle and their owner. pic.twitter.com/9TID7rJpOF

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 12, 2019

Football writer Daniel Storey questioned those comments, however, dismissing those notions as a "myth":

In that Championship season, Newcastle United spent approximately £55m on players. They sold Moussa Sissoko for £30m, Georginio Wijnaldum for £25m and Andros Townsend for £14m, plus a few more. I'm sorry, but it's a myth from Ferdinand.

— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) January 12, 2019

Ashley, who made his money through sporting goods chain Sports Direct, has been the owner of the Magpies since 2007. The Magpies have been relegated twice since he took control, and rumours of a possible sale have been floated for almost a decade.

Fans have constantly criticised Ashley for a lack of spending in the transfer market, and a recent report revealed the Magpies are the only Premier League team with a negative net spend over the last three seasons:

Spending over the past 3 windows in this mornings paper.. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/CgPDtgtIeV

— NUFC1982 (@NUFC19822) January 1, 2019

Heneage explained the fans aren't asking Ashley to spend his own money, but rather put the club's revenue back into the team:

In listening to @rioferdy5 on BT Sport it's important to clarify, #NUFC fans do not necessarily want Mike Ashley to put his money into the club (it would be nice, but still). They want him to invest the money the club has generated through player sales & TV money. Big difference.

— Kris Heneage (@KHeneage) January 12, 2019

Benitez has also expressed his frustration at the lack of spending but revealed he turned down moves to clubs with "more money" ahead of the Chelsea match, per Goal.

Newcastle have won just four matches in the Premier League this season and currently sit in the relegation zone.    

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez says he has turned down offers from other teams with "more money" to remain at St James' Park despite ongoing tensions between the club's ownership and the fans.

Owner Mike Ashley has long been a controversial figure at the north-east club due to his investment approach.

Benitez spoke to the media ahead of Saturday's Premier League matchup against old club Chelsea, and the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Valencia chief said he's rejected more lucrative opportunities to stay put:

"I had teams, agents, talking with more money than here. When I say more money, more money than here. But still I want to do something here, I want to stay in England.

"I'm close to my family, the fans have been fantastic, so you try to do something properly.

"Yes it's a risk, but it's a challenge, and I will try to do my best to win every single game."

The Daily Mail's Craig Hope wrote the big-money offers are thought to have come from clubs in China, although it wouldn't be a surprise to learn European powers are still trying to tempt the Spaniard.

Benitez went on to talk about the need for unity among those at the club despite any struggles they've encountered, having been disappointed this season after finishing 10th in the Premier League last term:

🎥 You can now watch Rafa Benítez's full media briefing from earlier this afternoon on NUFC TV.

Watch here: https://t.co/p0fK2cPoTp #NUFC pic.twitter.com/PClrWQyHJE

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) January 11, 2019

The Chronicle's Lee Ryder recently reported Newcastle owner Ashley was prepared to give potential buyer Peter Kenyon time to find the funds necessary to purchase the club. It's believed Ashley is seeking a sale price in excess of £300 million.

The Magpies are 15th in the table as things stand and sit tied on points with Burnley and promoted Cardiff City, just two points off the relegation zone.

Veteran tactician Benitez deserves praise for the job considering Newcastle brought in only five players over the summer and sold for a net profit.

Former Magpies goalkeeper Shay Given told Sky Bet Benitez can be the man to take Newcastle back to glory if given the right parameters at St James' Park:

😳 Shay Given isn't holding back on @NUFC's situation off the pitch.

🗣 "If they get the right owner, the right person, to back someone like Rafa Benitez, that's what the club deserves." #NUFC pic.twitter.com/4m7dQ3HT7S

— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) January 9, 2019

Newcastle have scored only 15 goals this season—second only to bottom club Huddersfield Town in the Premier League.

Earlier this season, one of the Spaniard's former Liverpool charges, Jamie Carragher, defended his old boss and said he did not deserve to be sacked:

It's unlikely the 2005 UEFA Champions League winner would struggle for employment if he were to leave the north-east, and Benitez has demonstrated his appreciation for Newcastle by sticking around this long.