Last week, Newcastle got the green light for loaning players from teams operated by their Saudi owners, Public Investment Fund (PIF). This practically gives Newcastle the ability to loan players from the top four teams in the Saudi Pro League: Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Hilal.
🇮🇹 Could Newcastle have a ‘feeder/partner club’ shortly with rumours of a tie up with Italian Serie B club Sampdoria.
Would PIF take a minority stake to start the much rumoured ‘multi club model’ in the same way that Man City, Chelsea etc do? 🤔
One to certainly keep an eye… pic.twitter.com/qauZkhnht7
— Magpie 24/7 (@Magpie24_7) December 1, 2023
At the moment, Eddie Howe’s Magpies are 7th in the Premier League and 3rd in Champions League Group F. They still have a CL match to play, but they need to defeat AC Milan and Borussia to defeat PSG. It’s possible… but unlikely.
Let’s see what sort of signings could Newcastle be up for now that they have the green light to loan players from PIF-owned teams. We won’t focus on actual transfers Howe’s club could make. We’re only looking at the potential loanees coming in from the Saudi Pro League.
Let’s roll!
Biggest Potential Signings
First off, let’s talk about crazy deals that could happen… but probably won’t. Don’t get me wrong, any of the following players could sign a loan deal with Newcastle this winter transfer window. Several safe gambling sites even have betting odds for some of these crazy deals. Here are the players I’m referring to:
Cristiano Ronaldo from Al-Nassr
Even though Cristiano is 38 years old, he’s still the main protagonist in the Saudi Pro League. Needless to say, he’s also the biggest potential loanee Newcastle could sign this winter transfer window. But, I can’t see any reason Cristiano would join the Mapgies… unless they qualify for the Champions League playoffs and Manchester United doesn’t. His move to Newcastle would just add salt to the wounds of Manchester United players worldwide…
🔥 [ HOT NEWS ]
CRISTIANO RONALDO RECEIVES OFFER TO JOIN NEWCASTLE ⚫️⚪️📰 El Nacional Cristiano Ronaldo has received an offer to transfer to Newcastle United, the club that currently shares ownership with Al Nassr under the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).
However,… pic.twitter.com/4ctkVYRBUE
— Football Legend (@Fo0tballLegend) October 12, 2023
Neymar from Al-Hilal
The 31-year-old Brazilian couldn’t see himself playing for PSG any longer so he urged a transfer to the Saudi Pro League. Although he’s still a top-notch player, his ego is something Eddie How wouldn’t want in his team. Even though Neymar’s offensive qualities would help Newcastle in building attacks, there’s no way Neymar signs a loan deal this winter.
Sadio Mane from Al-Nassr
Last but not least, another Al-Nassr player. This time around, It’s Sadio Mane. Mane had a tough period at Bayern, crowned with an outburst with teammate Leroy Sane late last season. A move away from the Bavarian club was only logical following the punching allegations.
Needless to say, Mane won’t be Howe’s priority signing. Once again, the English expert will primarily be looking at defensive-minded midfielders to fill the void following Tonali’s suspension. I’m not saying Newcastle wouldn’t benefit from signing Mane. All I’m saying is they need players in other positions… And if they’re planning on boosting their wings, I reckon Neymar would be their primary target anyway.
Realistic Newcastle Winter Transfer Window Signings
Now let’s have a more realistic approach. Yes, Newcastle can sign Ronaldo, Neymar, and Mane. However, none of the three players would be that inclined to play for Newcastle for the remainder of the season. Even if Newcastle secure Champions League playoffs, they won’t be able to attract players of such caliber.
Realistically, Newcastle needs a defensive midfielder – someone who can give them balance in defense and provide support upfront. According to that criteria, Ruben Neves seems to be the most logical choice. The 26-year-old ex-Wolves midfielder has both the experience and know-how to provide a much-needed central boost to Howe’s Newcastle.
Unsettled Ruben Neves on Newcastle’s radar for January loan move. Dan Ashworth says there are no barriers to signing players from Saudi Pro League clubs owned by PIF to cover Sandro Tonali’s ban. [@TelegraphSport] pic.twitter.com/weOxjxPTMl
— Football Talk (@FootballTalkHQ) November 3, 2023
Sergej Milinković-Savić and Marcelo Brozović both pose as viable options. Both of these Balkan-born defensive anchors would fit perfectly with Howe’s tactical setup. But, then again, so would Ngolo Kante.
The midfield options are numerous. The Saudi Pro League has superb depth in that department. But, if Howe would like to boost his effectiveness and penetration in the final third, perhaps he’d want Saint-Maximin back at St. James’ Park. Allan’s return to his former club would definitely be the fan-favorite signing!
