“There Have Been Frustrations” – 5 Days After Owners Take $11 Billion Hit, Newcastle United Boss Declines to Dismiss Possibility of Bringing Players From Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has been changing the soccer environment big time. As a result, they ended up changing the dynamics of the current transfer window. Their top clubs tempted a flurry of prestigious stars with lucrative offers who now play in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Saudi-owned EPL club, Newcastle United’s manager, made a massive statement about the recruitment of soccer stars playing in Saudi Arabia through loans. And one question would arise: does that mean stars like CR7 and Benzema can come back to Europe?

Saudi Sovereign Fund, PIF, recently made a significant overhaul. They took over Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli, the four principal clubs in the Saudi League. Moreover, PIF also owns the Premier League side of Newcastle United. And Eddie Howe feels loan deals for the players playing for four major clubs are a concrete possibility.

Newcastle United boss is open to bringing players from Saudi Arabia

Eddie Howe recently spoke about the summer signings and the difficulties FFP poses over transfers. When asked about loaning players from the Saudi Arabian League, as per DailyMail, Howe said, “That depends on if it is the right thing for Newcastle. We’ll always act with our best interests first.” So, it seems Howe is open to bringing in the desired players if the chance materializes.

“We’re working within FFP guidelines, which is very difficult for us. We might need to be creative, but we’re trying to look at every avenue we can to make the club stronger. We have a very strict budget that we’re trying to work within,” Howe said that the Magpies need to be creative to have a competitive squad, as they are returning to UEFA Champions League since 2002/03. That also opens the door to the exciting possibility of watching some of the top stars, including Ronaldo and Benzema in the league they made history. 

“Always with FFP, there are certain things you can be creative on, but we don’t have a huge budget to work with. At times there have been frustrations and difficult days. We know the challenges that we face. Through the summer I’ve been through all the emotions,” he added further. 

Also, the statement comes amid Newcastle’s owner suffering a massive loss.

Saudi’s Public Investment Fund lost billions

As per recent reports, PIF suffered $11 billion in losses on its investment last year. It’s way too large compared to $19 billion in profits in 2021. But it seems PIF, 80% owners in Newcastle, won’t stop investing in the transfer window now. With Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Roberto Firmino, Marcelo Brozovic, and Kalidou Koulibaly signed, Saudi Arabian clubs are looking for other targets. 

READ MORE: Despite Soccer Boom Due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Presence, Al Nassr’s Rival Coach Details Detrimental Effect of Offshore Superstars in Saudi Arabia – “Have to Look at the Development”

Despite their financial difficulties, Newcastle United’s Saudi Arabian owners are looking to buy another top European club.

Nevertheless, Newcastle has also spent a massive sum in this summer transfer window to recruit Sandro Tonali from A.C Milan for a fee of €70 million. The English side is also looking to complete deals for Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes and Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for enormous amounts.

However, if the Premier League club decides to get creative, Eddie Howe has several stars to choose from in Saudi Arabia. It may raise concerns among other clubs. But if the Magpies manage to follow the FFP guidelines, it can be quite interesting and there’s no one stopping them. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Natalie Portman Narrates USWNT’s Latest World Cup Promo Video

So, who would you like to sport the Newcastle jersey? Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema, or anyone else? Let us know in the comments section below.