Saudi Clubs Spend £500M on Premier League Stars, Aiding Rivals

Over the past two years, four of Saudi Arabia's biggest clubs - Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad - have been taken over by the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF). This has triggered a spending spree, with the Saudi Pro League clubs splurging over £500 million on Premier League players during this period.

While this has scattered stardust over the Saudi league, it has also inadvertently helped to boost the financial health of the selling clubs in England. Chelsea and Aston Villa, who finished either side of Newcastle in the Premier League last season, have both benefited from these lucrative deals, raising questions about PIF's relationship with other investors.

In contrast, Newcastle's failure to sell big under Saudi ownership has inhibited their ability to spend, with their Profitability and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) struggles well-documented in the past 18 months. Now, with the cash injection from the recent sale of Darwin Nunez to Al Hilal, the Magpies may have the financial muscle to pursue targets like Alexander Isak.

However, experts believe that Newcastle is not PIF's most valued sporting project, with the focus being on the development of the Saudi Pro League and the successful bid for the 2034 World Cup. As a result, the Magpies find themselves in an unusual position, as a "family member" that may not be the most important to the Saudi government.