Saudi Arabia’s position regarding speculation that Newcastle United could be sold to help finance a potential takeover of Barcelona has now become clearer. The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) has reportedly sent a strong signal denying any intention to divest from the Premier League club, despite persistent rumors linking the Saudi-backed group to a massive investment move in Spain.
Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is preparing a sensational offer worth around €10 billion to gain financial control of Barcelona. If such a deal were to materialize, it would represent a significant financial lifeline for the Catalan giants, who continue to struggle under the weight of enormous debt.
Barcelona’s Financial Crisis Fuels Takeover Speculation
Barcelona’s economic difficulties are well documented. The club is currently burdened with debt approaching £2 billion, a situation that has dramatically limited their activity in the transfer market. During the summer of 2025, Barcelona were reportedly restricted to spending less than £30 million on new signings, highlighting the severity of their financial constraints.
Given these circumstances, it is little surprise that speculation has emerged around potential external investment. However, any attempt to take over Barcelona is far from straightforward. Unlike many elite European clubs, Barcelona are owned by their members, known as socios, who are fiercely protective of the club’s identity and traditions.
This unique ownership structure presents a significant obstacle to any full-scale takeover, regardless of the size of the proposed investment.
PIF’s Growing Influence in Global Sports
The Public Investment Fund has, in recent years, become one of the most influential financial entities in global sport. From football to golf and motorsport, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily as part of a broader strategy to expand its international sporting footprint.
What remains unclear is whether any potential investment in Barcelona would be pursued directly by Mohammed bin Salman or through PIF itself, where the Crown Prince serves as chairman. It is this uncertainty that has reignited questions over the future of Newcastle United, a club in which PIF currently holds a controlling stake.
Newcastle United’s Ownership Not Up for Sale
PIF currently owns 85 percent of Newcastle United, a position it has consistently described as a long-term investment. Under Saudi-backed ownership, Newcastle have embarked on a carefully structured project led by manager Eddie Howe.
The most notable achievement so far came earlier this year when Newcastle lifted the Carabao Cup, defeating Liverpool in the final to secure their first major trophy in 70 years. That success was widely seen as a milestone in the club’s gradual rise under new ownership.
Despite the speculation, there has been no indication from PIF that Newcastle is for sale. Senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs reported as far back as December 2022 that PIF had no intention of selling its stake in the club, a stance that appears unchanged.
Amanda Staveley’s Insight Into the Original Takeover Vision
Further clarity on PIF’s mindset came from Amanda Staveley, the former Newcastle executive who played a key role in the takeover. Speaking at the Financial Times Football Summit, as quoted by Sky Sports, Staveley reflected on the logic behind choosing Newcastle as an investment.
“From the start, we were very clear that we wanted a club with a passionate fan base, and we found that,” Staveley said.
She also emphasized the importance of affordability in the decision-making process, explaining that Newcastle represented value compared to other elite English clubs.
“We weren’t looking at Tottenham, Chelsea, or Liverpool, as extraordinary as they are. I’m a huge Liverpool fan and we did look at them, but when you walk into a Newcastle game, you think: why spend billions when you can spend £350 million?” she added.
Her comments reinforced the idea that Newcastle was never viewed as a short-term asset, but rather as a sustainable, long-term project.
Newcastle Seen as a ‘Favorite Investment’
In September last year, Newcastle appointed David Hopkinson as their new chief executive. The 54-year-old revealed earlier this month that he maintains daily communication with PIF, underlining the close relationship between the club and its owners.
“They are a huge global player,” Hopkinson told BBC Sport. “But I genuinely believe, from the bottom of my heart, that we are their favorite investment. We receive an incredible amount of attention and emotional connection, far more than you might expect given the scale of their overall portfolio.”
Such statements further weaken the idea that PIF would consider selling Newcastle to redirect funds elsewhere.
PIF Among the Wealthiest Owners in World Football
Through PIF, Newcastle United now boast the wealthiest ownership group in world football, with an estimated financial advantage of more than £450 billion over any other club owner. This backing has fundamentally changed the club’s outlook, particularly when contrasted with the previous ownership under Mike Ashley, whose lack of ambition saw Newcastle suffer relegation to the Championship.
When PIF acquired 80 percent of Newcastle’s shares in 2021, many fans expected a rapid transformation similar to those seen at Chelsea under Roman Abramovich or Manchester City under Sheikh Mansour. That transformation, however, has been more measured.
A Sustainable Strategy, Not Reckless Spending
While Newcastle’s direction has clearly shifted, PIF’s approach has been notably cautious. Since the takeover, the club has spent approximately £730.85 million on 27 players—a significant sum, but one deployed strategically.
Rather than splurging on one or two global superstars, Newcastle have focused on strengthening the squad across all areas, improving depth, balance, and long-term competitiveness.
Conclusion: Newcastle’s Future Appears Secure
Despite widespread speculation linking Saudi Arabia to a potential Barcelona takeover, there is no evidence to suggest that Newcastle United will be sold to fund such a move. On the contrary, multiple statements from key figures indicate that PIF views Newcastle as a cornerstone investment.
For now, Newcastle supporters can take comfort in the clarity emerging from Saudi Arabia: the Magpies remain central to PIF’s football ambitions, regardless of what the future may hold in Barcelona.
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