PIF eyeing blockbuster £290m move away from Newcastle United

Although Newcastle United have been held back by PSR, it has not stopped PIF spending heavily elsewhere.

The last 12 months have been poor from an arrivals perspective for fans – just one player, Lewis Hall has had any major impact on Eddie Howe’s squad.

The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) are majority stakeholder in Newcastle United but has not been able to use their mega net worth to their full potential on Tyneside.

Off the pitch, it could soon be a different story with the PIF jetting to Newcastle to decide the future of St James’ Park. Recent reports have also revealed plans for Newcastle’s new training ground which would see the Magpies move to a new state-of-the-art complex in the coming years.

However, PSR has forced Newcastle to be tame in recent transfer windows, despite the PIF’s ability to fund lucrative transfers. Fans have already gotten a glimpse of just how much they can spend – Alexander Isak joined Newcastle for £63m, a club record fee.

While Newcastle continues to struggle to establish themselves in the transfer market, PIF are planning a mega-money move for one of football’s biggest stars.

PIF eyeing Vinicius Junior Saudi move amid Newcastle woes

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior is widely regarded as one of the best footballers in the world right now. The Brazilian came second in the vote for the Ballon d’Or in 2024, losing out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

As well as Newcastle, PIF owns four Saudi Pro League clubs, Al-Alhi, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilan and Al-Nassr. In the last 18 months, those clubs have spent heavily in the transfer market. Bringing highly regarded players like Neymar, Jhon Duran and former Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to the league.

Now, according to TeamTalk, PIF is considering a blockbuster bid for Vini Jr which could be worth around £290m for the winger in the summer.