Kieran Maguire issues ‘huge’ Newcastle verdict after PIF talks update in last 24 hours
Newcastle United have had the perfect opportunity to capitalise on the “huge interest” in them in Saudi Arabia with their winter break visit.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ trip to the Middle East.
Newcastle have spent the last week in the country, where they beat Al-Ittihad 2-1 in a friendly and club chiefs met with Saudi dignitaries.
As quoted by the Daily Mail yesterday (28 January), manager Eddie Howe confirmed he had spoken with PIF chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan in person.
“I have met with the chairman and it was a great experience to hear his thoughts on the club, his vision and how the future looks,” he revealed.
Maguire examined Newcastle’s Saudi jaunt and insisted that it will have proved a valuable brand-building exercise in the region.
“Warm-weather training is always welcomed by players,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“It gives players and staff a break from the microscope that is the day-to-day of the Premier League.
“The chances are they would have flown out somewhere in any case, but if it was Mike Ashley still in charge of the budget it would have been Scunthorpe.
“It’s an opportunity to meet the owners from the manager’s point of view. It’s a photo opportunity and a chance to become ambassadors for the club.
“There will be huge interest in Newcastle United in the country, so you can see the positives.”
Newcastle have signed Kieran Trippier from Burnley and Chris Wood from Burnley in their first transfer window under the new regime.
This site revealed on Wednesday (26 January) that the Magpies have agreed a £35.5million fee for Lyon midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
In other news, pundit suggests Newcastle United are being “abused” in Jesse Lingard talks after “ridiculous” £16.5m update.