Kieran Maguire: Newcastle United to leapfrog Man United and Liverpool as Saudi talks advance
Newcastle United are well placed to leapfrog Man United and Liverpool as the most supported team in Saudi Arabia.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about Newcastle’s plan to host Saudi Arabia’s international fixture at St James’ Park.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Newcastle are in talks over hosting an international fixture between Saudi Arabia and Mexico in September.
The Magpies have continued to strengthen their relationship with the nation since their Saudi-backed takeover in 2021.
Newcastle headed to Saudi Arabia for warm-weather training last season and have also signed sponsorship deals with Saudi-based companies Sela and Noon.
Maguire believes it is ‘difficult to see a downside’ to Newcastle hosting an international fixture as the club consolidates its relationship with the nation.
“That relationship between Newcastle and Saudi Arabia is clearly there, and I think it could be beneficial,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“This friendly is taking place in Newcastle but they’ve also done warm weather training over there and it gives them a chance to meet representatives from existing and potential sponsors in the location.
“There will be a curiosity value with regards to Newcastle and whether they become the football team of Saudi Arabia.
“Many Saudi Arabian fans are already supporting the Manchester clubs, Chelsea, Liverpool, and so on, but Newcastle want to topple that.
“I think it’s certainly an opportunity for Newcastle to cement that relationship and it’s difficult to see a downside.“
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