Two Premier League teams could soon have new owners, as Saudi Arabia plans another takeover.
Saudi Arabia is apparently interested in buying two Premier League clubs in the near future, despite the fact that the country’s Public Investment Fund already owns Newcastle United.
PIF paid £300 million for Newcastle in 2021, but despite a significant improvement in the club’s fortunes since then, the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSRs) have curtailed the club’s spending.
So, while a Premier League title appears to be a long way off for Newcastle, it appears that the state is interested in more immediate success with a different Premier League team.
Saudi Arabia targets Liverpool or Chelsea.
According to The Independent, the Saudi kingdom is looking to take up an elite club in European football, with Newcastle reportedly not considered large enough to generate positive headlines for the country.
However, while the takeover has come under renewed scrutiny as a result of leaked messages from former Newcastle director Amanda Staveley about Crown Prince bin Salman’s involvement in the deal to buy the Magpies, a separate Saudi group is reportedly looking to acquire another Premier League club.
Barcelona is listed as a possibility, although the source identifies Liverpool and Chelsea as the primary objectives.
While it is unknown whether a takeover would occur, it is clear that Liverpool and Chelsea will spend significantly more than Newcastle did initially. Forbes ranked Liverpool as the world’s fourth most valuable team earlier this year, with a £4.2 billion valuation trailing only Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Barcelona.
