SAUDI’S STANCE ON SELLING NEWCASTLE TO FUND INCREDIBLE €10BN LIVERPOOL TAKEOVER REVEALED
Saudi’s Stance on Selling Newcastle to Fund €10bn Liverpool Takeover Revealed
In a football world buzzing with transfer rumours and billionaire-backed ambitions, one of the most provocative claims to surface recently has been the suggestion that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) could sell Newcastle United to bankroll a sensational €10 billion takeover of Liverpool FC. But insiders and analysts say the reality is very different from the headlines.
PIF Owns Newcastle — But Isn’t Selling
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth arm, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), currently owns a majority stake in Newcastle United, having completed a controversial takeover in October 2021. Since then, the fund has increased its share — reportedly holding roughly 85 per cent of the club — and playing a central role in the club’s strategic direction and investment decisions.
Despite social-media rumours and viral posts claiming that PIF is ready to sell Newcastle to finance a €10 billion deal for Liverpool, those reports are not backed by confirmed evidence from major outlets — and both the Saudi group and Newcastle United have not signalled any intention to divest the club.
In fact, PIF officials continue to portray Newcastle as a long-term strategic investment, with the club’s increasing financial and competitive profile seen as an asset rather than something to be liquidated.
Why the Rumours Started
The speculation largely stems from broader conversation about Middle Eastern capital entering elite European football. PIF’s dramatic purchase of Newcastle transformed the Magpies into one of England’s wealthiest clubs, prompting commentators to wonder whether the fund might later pivot towards even bigger assets — such as a bid for a historic giant like Liverpool.
Some rumours even suggest that PIF might consider selling Newcastle to unlock capital for a fresh acquisition in the Premier League. But experts caution that such a move would be financially and politically expensive — and there’s no substantive indication of formal interest or negotiations underway.
Practical and Regulatory Barriers
For PIF — or any investor — to buy Liverpool FC, they would first have to negotiate with current owner Fenway Sports Group (FSG), which has repeatedly expressed its desire to retain control or secure the right buyer. Independent of ownership, Premier League and European football financial rules also impose scrutiny on major changes of ownership and large financial transactions, particularly when tied to cross-club transfers or consolidation of elite teams.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s Saudi owners appear focused on building long-term sporting strength and commercial growth at St James’ Park, rather than offloading the club for short-term gains.
Wider Context: Sports Investment Strategy
Saudi Arabia’s approach to football investment is part of a wider strategy that has seen the kingdom expand its influence globally — from domestic league spending to strategic overseas acquisitions. While the idea of buying one of England’s most iconic clubs captures headlines, insiders remind fans that such deals involve complex negotiations, valuation considerations, and league approval processes far beyond simple capital flow.
For now, the narrative that PIF will sell Newcastle to fund a €10 billion Liverpool takeover remains speculation, not confirmed strategy. Without official statements from the fund or credible reporting of active talks, the claim should be treated as rumour rather than fact.
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In summary:
PIF owns Newcastle United and has shown no credible intention to sell.
Claims about selling to fund a €10 billion Liverpool takeover are just online speculation, not confirmed.
Any major shift like selling Newcastle or attempting a Liverpool bid would require complex deals, regulatory approval, and mutual agreement with Liverpool’s current owners.
