Newcastle free to make signings that will enrage Premier League rivals

4 Nov 2023 04:23 CDT
3 min read

Eddie Howe, Newcastle, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Newcastle are in position to sign whichever players they like from the Saudi Pro League during the January transfer window in a move that could spark outrage from their Premier League rivals.

Newcastle presently have four affiliated clubs in Saudi Arabia, with the Public Investment Fund also possessing a significant stake in Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli – the four wealthiest clubs in the big-spending Pro League.

Article continues under the video

This leaves a financial loophole open for the Magpies to exploit, with the possibility of signing players from these sides either permanently or on loan for little to no cost. After all, the Saudi Pro League is not bound by Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations like European competition.

EXCLUSIVE: Brazil wonderkid Marcos Leonardo set for 2024 transfer amid Newcastle interest

The Chronicle reports that there is currently no plan in place to close this workaround for Eddie Howe’s side, who could be in the market to sign a replacement for the suspended Sandro Tonali in this manner. Ruben Neves of Al-Hilal is a player notably linked to them while Al-Ahli’s Gabri Veiga is another player rumoured to be of interest.

If Newcastle were to exploit the situation, it would likely cause anger from their Premier League rivals – especially if it meant missing out on Champions League football.

© ProShots - Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves is a target for Newcastle

Newcastle fear new barriers

Sporting director Dan Ashworth fears that there could be a change of policy that will block these deals.

Asked if there is anything to stop Newcastle signing the likes of Neves or Veiga on the cheap, he gave an uncertain answer.

“Currently, no…” he said. “The current rules and regulations say there is nothing to stop it. Currently.

“But there is a potential that the various different organisations will look at things across related-parties, and what you can do to acquire players at a fair market value, which have already been in place for quite a while.”

Newcastle are presently sixth in the Premier League table and face Arsenal at St James’ Park on Saturday.