Major PIF move as Newcastle bring in Populous - Two sites identified and exciting plans

After a few frustrating transfer windows that have left Eddie Howe a little short on the pitch, it seems Newcastle United are making serious moves off the pitch to vastly improve our infrastructure.

The future of St James' Park will be decided in 2025, but there's also the prospect of a new training ground and a much-needed upgrade on our current Benton base.

A major update arrived on a potential new site last night, revealing an exciting move that's now in the works behind the scenes.

Major update on new training ground

According to The Mail's Craig Hope, Newcastle United have brought in world-renowned architects, Populous, to design the club's brand new training ground. 

The US-based company have overseen the development of some of the world’s best sporting venues, working on Real Madrid's Sports City super base and the Tottenham Hotspur stadium; leaving some to wonder if they'd be involved in our stadium plans should the club extend St James' Park or build a brand new home close by.

It's believed there are two sites under consideration; nearby the Reuben-owned Newcastle Racecourse (currently considered the most likely option) or close to the Newcastle airport in Woolsington.

Either way, it is hugely positive to hear the club are stepping up plans to build a new state of the art training facility that will rival the best in the country and offer a major upgrade on our current Benton base.

It is worth noting, however, that completion is still 'several years away', with completion of final drawings, a decision on the chosen site and contracting of builders and engineers to take on the work next on the to-do list.

Plans should end talk that PIF have stopped investing

With stadium plans dragging on and first-team investment (mostly limited by PSR) leaving some asking questions, this should be a clear signal of intent from PIF.