Sources: Newcastle plot multiple January signings from Saudi Arabia
Newcastle United are plotting multiple loan signings this January from the Saudi Pro League, sources have told Football Insider.
Sources have revealed that the Magpies are very close to their Financial Fair Play limit meaning their transfer budget in the upcoming window will be extremely tight.
This has encouraged Eddie Howe’s side to utilise the loan market this winter and use their connections to Saudi Arabia to try and facilitate moves for their star players.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund owns both Newcastle and a quartet of Saudi clubs – Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli.
Last month, Premier League teams voted 13 to seven against a ban on loan deals between associated clubs, meaning Newcastle can legally bring Saudi Pro League players from these sides to Tyneside.
Injuries have taken their toll on the squad, with Howe currently having to navigate 12 first-team injuries as well as the suspension of £55million summer signing Sandro Tonali.
The Magpies had been heavily linked with a move for former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves from Al-Hilal – a PiF-owned team – but the player himself has said he is happy and settled in Saudi Arabia.
However, Football Insider revealed last month (22 November) that Neves nonetheless plans to leave Al-Hilal next summer and could return to England with both Newcastle and Man City interested.
Newcastle have also been busy in talks with Fabian Schar over a new deal with Football Insider revealing (8 December) that they are confident of extending his contract after getting the green light from PiF.
Following their 3-0 loss to Everton on Thursday (7 December), they are next in action in the Premier League on Sunday (10 December) when they travel to north London to face Tottenham.
In other news, ‘Don’t forget who the hell he is’ – Newcastle fans turn on the moaners ‘giving Kieran Trippier abuse’.