Newcastle United owners PIF could agree seven new deals – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Newcastle United’s ownership could buy “six or seven clubs” at once to establish a multi-club network.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) could purchase a “pre-packaged group” of clubs from around the world.
PIF purchased Newcastle in 2021 and also own four clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Football Insider revealed last week (13 June) that top-ranking chiefs have jetted out to Brazil to sound out potential takeover opportunities.
It is believed that PIF are also eager to acquire additional European clubs to bolster their network.
Man City’s City Football Group have paved the way for other clubs to establish multi-club organisations, with Chelsea and Man United among those to follow suit.
Newcastle owners PIF could buy ‘pre-packaged’ multi-club group, says Wyness
Wyness claimed PIF previously explored buying 777 Partners’ stakes in clubs like Standard Liege, Genoa, Hertha Berlin and more.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “When they first took over Newcastle, a big multi-club network was mooted straight away.
“I’ve actually spoken to people at Newcastle about this, and it’s taken some time for them to make up their minds.
“At one point, there was talk of them buying all of the clubs in 777’s group, the multi-club organisation.
“They wanted to buy a pre-packaged group of clubs across the world. Luckily for them they didn’t go through with it, although with the right amount of care and attention – those clubs could’ve been powerful.
“Newcastle will be led by the PiF, who have been linked with major Italian clubs, Brazilian clubs – but nothing has happened.
“They’re still going through a learning curve, but I wouldn’t put it past them to actually buy a pre-packaged group – that hasn’t been done yet.
“They could add six or seven in one transaction.”
In other news, England international responds to Newcastle approach.
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