Newcastle United owners PIF are ready to land another big name as they continue their aggressive recruitment drive in Saudi Arabia.
The Newcastle United owners also oversee Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli over in the Saudi Pro League.
Over the last few years, PIF have attracted some of the biggest names in world football over to the Middle East.
So many big-name players have made money-spinning moves to Saudi Arabia as the Newcastle owners build up for the 2034 World Cup in the Gulf State.
Next summer, the trend will likely continue and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes could be next.
Photo by Annice Lyn/Manchester United via Getty ImagesPIF intent on signing Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia during the summer transfer window but remained at Old Trafford.
Still, according to talkSPORT, PIF remain “intent” on signing him next year. Fernandes is understood to have rejected all of Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad.
The situation could change next summer, however, with the 30-year-old understood to be open to the idea of a move to Saudi Arabia.
It’s also added that Manchester United would consider his sale next summer, with fees of around £80million previously discussed.
PIF’s plans for Newcastle United
PIF offered Alexander Isak huge money to leave Newcastle and join Al-Hilal, although the Sweden international was not interested and ended up joining Liverpool.
The Newcastle owners attracted some criticism for helping fund Liverpool’s move for Isak by buying Darwin Nunez from the Reds to take him to Al-Hilal.
However, after a bruising summer, the owners remain ambitious at St James’ Park. Indeed, PIF want Newcastle to consistently challenge for the top five in the Premier League.
In a perfect world, they’d be able to fund Newcastle like they do for their Saudi clubs but the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules make that almost impossible.