Newcastle learn fate on loaning Saudi players after vote held on transfer rule

21 November 2023 , 16:42

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Newcastle, who are owned by the PIF, are free to sign players from Saudi Arabian clubs (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Newcastle WILL be allowed to loan players from clubs in Saudi Arabia after a Premier League vote designed to temporarily block such moves failed to pass on Tuesday.

Top-flight clubs had been expected to vote against a proposal allowing clubs the freedom to temporarily borrow players from other teams under the same ownership umbrella. Newcastle, who are backed by PIF, have been linked with players from the Saudi Pro League in recent weeks, including Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves.

The prospect of Newcastle being able to sign players from clubs owned by the same group had sparked outrage in some quarters. But the motion to ban it at the latest Premier League shareholders’ meeting failed to yield an overwhelming majority of 14 votes.

It's understood that the vote was split 13-7 in favour of implementing the temporary ban - meaning it failed to pass by just a single vote.

The Saudia Arabia Public Investment Fund, the group who own Newcastle, also own four clubs in the Saudi Pro League: Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. In theory, Tuesday's vote now means that a host of blockbuster names, including Cristiano Ronaldo, would be free to join Newcastle on loan if their current clubs would be willing to do business with the Premier League outfit.

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The Magpies had targeted Neves, formerly of Wolves, after learning that marquee summer signing Sandro Tonali will serve a 10 month ban for betting offences. It has since been revealed, though, that Neves has no desire to return to England and will remain with Al-Hilal.

While the focus has been on Newcastle in the build-up to the vote, there are other Premier League clubs who could profit from the ruling. Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor has ties to Ligue 1 outfit Lyon while prospective Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns OGC Nice.

Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves has been heavily linked with Newcastle in recent weeks

Other topics up for discussion at the meeting, which took place in a plush London hotel, included the new EFL deal and the recent decision from an independent panel to dock 10-points from Everton.

The deduction, which was implemented on Friday due to alleged breaches of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, means the Toffees are now in the relegation zone and above bottom-placed Burnley on goal difference.

Everton have already confirmed plans to appeal the decision, which has been criticised by fans and pundits alike.

Dan Marsh