PIF walking 'tightrope' as Newcastle 'tension' rises - Keith Wyness
PIF are currently living dangerously at Newcastle United as "tensions" continue to rise between the board and the supporters.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Saudi Arabian ownership group have the smarts to navigate their way through this difficult period.
The Magpies have already seen both Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali depart for huge fees this summer, while star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is now pushing to join Arsenal.
Wyness has outlined that he is "amazed" that PIF haven't done more to boost revenue for sponsorships, which in turn would create the space for them to spend and realise their ambitions.
Eddie Howe and Co. are facing a potentially pivotal summer at St James' Park, as the boss looks increasingly likely to face a total rebuild.
Newcastle fans had big expectations when PIF bought the club back in 2021, and many feel that the project is moving too slowly at the moment.
Keith Wyness: Newcastle ownership walking 'tightrope'
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that PIF are currently walking a "tightrope" on Tyneside.
The Scottish businessman made it clear that the club cannot spend more until their revenue is boosted, causing the team's progress to stagnate.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness suggested that the ownership are at risk of things "going the wrong way" in the North East.
"There's a tension here between the PIF ambition and the fans' ambition. We knew when PIF went in about them being the richest club in world football, well, I'm afraid you can't spend like you are until you're bringing in the revenue," he said.
"It still amazes me that the club have not gone forward in terms of better sponsorships and new structures. I think there's still huge room to do that, and get that revenue number up.
"That's the only way they can really unlock things and start to challenge in UEFA as well. It's a difficult season for them this year, difficult window. There is definitely a medium-term risk of this going the wrong way.
"They're smart people, and they should be able to manage this and understand it. But it's a tightrope that they're going to have to walk."
What will it take for Newcastle to accept Bruno Guimaraes offer?
Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider earlier this week that Arsenal will need to bid in excess of the £80million mark to land Guimaraes this summer.
The Gunners are expected to test the water with an initial £60m offer, but the football finance expert does not believe that will tempt Newcastle at all.
Borson is adamant that it will take £80m being put on the table for the Tynesiders to do business, but also noted that they should look to keep the Brazilian if at all possible.
The 29-year-old netted a career-high nine league goals last term, and has been one of the most influential figures at Newcastle since he joined back in 2022.