Newcastle United latest updates: Newcastle United have been named by PIF among their 2024 highlights in the annual report.
Newcastle United have faced a difficult summer so far, but appear to be making progress on several promising signings that could improve Eddie Howe’s squad. After securing Champions League football for the second time in three seasons, there was hope this summer would be a game-changing one on the pitch.
While that has not yet come to pass, the club’s direction could be completely altered before the window shuts on Monday 1 September. News on a revamped stadium and upgraded training facilities is expected, along with the arrivals of a new sporting director and CEO. The absence of these roles has meant ownership updates have been scarce, unintentionally leaving a gap in communication from St James’ Park.
Despite numerous off-field challenges, Howe’s side have remained impressive on the pitch, while Newcastle United Women, led by Becky Langley, came close to an historic third straight promotion last season and entry into the Women’s Super League.
These achievements were recognised by PIF in their 2024 annual report, which, in a section on International Strategic Investments (ISI), stated: “Newcastle United’s women’s side claimed the FA Women’s National League Premier Division title, earning promotion to the Championship. The club unveiled its 2024/25 kit with Adidas and opened a flagship retail store at St James’ Park, strengthening its commercial and brand presence.”
A frustrating summer in the transfer market has led some fans to question PIF’s commitment as Newcastle United’s majority owners. Criticism has largely focused on where the club sits in PIF’s wider priorities.
PIF own teams in Saudi Arabia, have invested in the divisive LIV Golf venture, and hold other football interests. These factors have caused concern among supporters online that the ownership – constrained by the Premier League’s financial rules since the October 2021 takeover – might have shifted focus away from the club.
Eddie Howe, however, has firmly rejected those suggestions. Asked if the owners are less committed than before, Howe said: “No, the owners are as engaged as they have always been. There’s a huge amount happening behind the scenes to move the club forward.
“Whether that’s related to the stadium or the training ground, these things take time and there is no fast-track decision process to speed them up.
“Obviously, I’m not involved in every detail of that. But I attend board meetings and there is constant discussion about the future.
“They are fully committed and hungry for success to push the club on. This has been a testing spell with many different views on various topics.
“But I can promise everyone connected to Newcastle that the owners are completely invested in the project and working every day for the club’s success.”
