Newcastle United could become ‘secondary’ as PIF ready new takeovers – Wyness

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Newcastle United could be a “stepping stone” for PIF’s ambitions to revolutionise football in Saudi Arabia.

The 66-year-old, who currently runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs, made the claim on the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast that PIF (Saudi Public Investment Fund) could eventually buy all four Pro League clubs, making him the ultimate owner of the top flight. He served as CEO of Goodison Park from 2004 to 2009.

PIF acquired Newcastle in 2021, and last summer (2023) they expanded their holdings to include Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal.

Last week (June 13), Football Insider disclosed that senior executives have traveled to Brazil to investigate acquisition possibilities.

It’s thought that PIF is also keen to add more European teams to expand their network.

Newcastle could be ‘stepping stone’ in ambitious PIF plans, says Wyness

Wyness asserted that since Saudi Arabia is scheduled to host the World Cup in 2034, Newcastle might fall to the “secondary” position in PIF’s plans.

He stated on the Insider Track podcast of Football Insider: “Newcastle could wind up being a stepping stone.”

“In Saudi Arabia, PIF made a big splash last year, purchasing four clubs and packing them full of elite athletes.

They could now provide resources and pursue four more clubs. They might decide to go after the entire league.
“The Middle East is likely to undergo a significant change.

“Newcastle may not be the main focus, but they will be a valued member of PIF’s group.”

An England international reacts to Newcastle’s offer in unrelated news.
After that, the Saudi Pro League will have greater stability in the ensuing years.

“If that’s the case, Newcastle might drop to a secondary position.

“I believe Newcastle has been an excellent learning experience for them in terms of how football functions.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the chairman, has gained extensive knowledge about how it functions at the club level.

It would be interesting to watch when new stadiums are built and which clubs get to use those stadiums because Saudi Arabia is set to host the World Cup in 2034.

“There are going to be some incredible developments, so stay tuned.”

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