Eddie Howe reveals stance of Newcastle's Saudi owners after big meeting behind the scenes

Jack Otway
Fri, 01 May 2026 11:09:10 +0000

Eddie Howe has confirmed that Newcastle United's Saudi Arabian owners remain fully committed to their Premier League title ambitions following a two-day summit at Matfen Hall in Northumberland this week.

Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who serves as governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, travelled to the north-east alongside minority stakeholder Jamie Reuben for the annual gathering of executives.

Despite PIF's decision to end its multi-billion dollar investment in LIV Golf at the season's conclusion, club officials were assured a fortnight ago that this withdrawal would have no bearing on Newcastle's funding.

"The desire is unchanged," Howe stated. "It's to try and get to the top of the Premier League, to try and consistently win as many trophies as possible."

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The Magpies currently occupy 14th position in the table.

A significant capital investment is set to be announced regarding plans for a cutting-edge training facility, demonstrating the ownership group's ongoing commitment to the club's development.

Discussions at this week's summit also addressed the long-term future of St James' Park, with the hierarchy considering whether to expand the existing ground or construct an entirely new stadium.

The decision will be crucial in boosting revenue streams and closing the substantial financial gap between Newcastle and the Premier League's top earners.

"They clearly care so much about the football club [given] the long-term planning that's going on, on a number of levels," Howe remarked of PIF, who initially acquired an 80 per cent stake in 2021 before subsequently increasing their shareholding.

The summit, which had been scheduled for several months, provided an opportunity to examine recruitment strategies and address the team's decline in the standings.

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Howe delivered a presentation on Thursday as part of the planned agenda, with the internal approach favouring rational analysis over emotional reactions.

Newcastle's leadership has set 2030 as the target date for achieving their ambitions, though Howe acknowledged that building the necessary infrastructure to reach such heights requires patience.

"I don't think that will change while the PIF are our owners, part owners or majority owners. They are very ambitious for the football club," the head coach added.

"[There are] very exciting times ahead for the club, regardless of what happens short-term. The long-term vision is clearly there."

Howe acknowledged that his discussions with the ownership group were "challenging conversations", yet the head coach appeared positive when speaking to journalists on Friday ahead of the Brighton fixture.

"I was pleased by the level of support given to me, but of course still understanding how football works and knowing we need to get results," he explained. "That will never change."

The manager emphasised that the "determination to succeed" was evident throughout his meetings on Thursday, with those above him in the hierarchy making their expectations clear.

Despite the current league position, Howe expressed confidence in the club's direction, noting that the long-term planning demonstrates genuine care for Newcastle's future.