Eddie Howe now has access to an impressive pool of talent valued at a staggering £700 million, drawn from clubs under Newcastle’s Saudi ownership.

Newcastle’s leaders, Amanda Staveley and Darren Eales, effectively defended against a proposed Premier League alteration that aimed to prevent them from engaging in loan dealings with clubs also owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Concerns arose among competitors that Newcastle might exploit the Saudi Pro League as an economical means to recruit high-profile players in January, addressing gaps in their team due to an ongoing injury crisis.

However, the proposal only garnered support from 12 clubs, falling short of the required backing from two more of the 20 Premier League shareholder clubs to pass. Among the clubs involved in a multi-club ownership structure are Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Sheffield United.

Yet, it is Newcastle poised to reap the most significant benefits due to substantial expenditures made by the Saudi Pro League on established European talents. Last summer, the PIF, Saudi Arabia’s state investment fund, oversaw £700 million in spending across four clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Hilal alone reportedly spent around £320 million, while Al-Ahli splurged approximately £180 million, Al-Ittihad invested £105 million, and Al-Nassr parted with £105 million. Notably, global stars like Neymar, sidelined due to a long-term injury, secured a £90 million move to Al-Hilal.

The controversy sparked with the prospect of Newcastle pursuing Ruben Neves on loan in January to fill the void left by the suspended Sandro Tonali. The former Wolves midfielder is highly regarded by Newcastle’s manager, Howe, whose January budget is restricted by Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, making a loan deal an appealing option.

However, Howe could explore other notable talents within the PIF’s domain. One intriguing prospect is Al-Ahli’s £37 million-rated Gabri Veiga, a promising Spain U21 international who attracted attention across Europe before landing in Saudi Arabia after departing Celta Vigo.

While Al-Nassr boasts Cristiano Ronaldo among their ranks, Newcastle sources have firmly dismissed any intentions to pursue the Portuguese legend. Moreover, the 38-year-old doesn’t align with Howe’s high-energy playing style.

Notable experienced players under PIF ownership also include Karim Benzema, secured on a free transfer from Real Madrid, and Aymeric Laporte, formerly associated with Manchester City, a player once of interest to Newcastle.

Howe remains discreet about his plans for January. When asked about rule changes and potential loan signings just before the international break, he emphasized the team’s intent to seek advantages within set regulations. Howe cited the fluidity of the situation, with injuries impacting plans, making it challenging to finalize strategies at this stage.

Newcastle isn’t the sole entity capable of exploiting multi-club models. Other clubs like Chelsea, owned by Clearlake Capital, acquired Strasbourg in Ligue 1 this year. City Football Group owns multiple clubs, including New York City, Melbourne City, and Troyes. Additionally, incoming Manchester United stakeholder Jim Ratcliffe has ownership in Nice.

Despite Newcastle’s recent success in thwarting the rule change, the broader issue of how all Premier League clubs leverage the financial might and affiliations of their owners will persist as a crucial concern.

Newcastle United performance and stats

Newcastle United is currently 7th in the Premier League with 20 points.

In the last 12 games, it has won 6 times, drawn twice, and lost 4 times. In its last match, Newcastle United lost 2-0 against AFC Bournemouth.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 27 goals and conceding 13.​

Newcastle United will play the next match in Premier League against Chelsea on Saturday 25th of November in Newcastle upon Tyne. The prediction is Newcastle United winning the match.​