SOCCER: Saudi owners' desire for success at Newcastle remains unchanged, says Howe

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said on Friday that the club’s Saudi Arabian owners remain fully committed to its long-term success, despite the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) decision to scale back its involvement in the LIV Golf series.

PIF, which has invested more than $5 billion in the LIV Golf project since its launch in 2022, announced on Thursday that it will end its funding at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The move leaves the breakaway golf circuit searching for new financial backing.

The sovereign wealth fund, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has expanded its global sports portfolio in recent years and took control of Newcastle United in October 2021.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion, Howe said recent meetings with PIF representatives were positive and focused on long-term planning for the club.

“The owners and representatives of PIF were over and it was constructive, good meetings,” Howe told reporters. “It’s always constructive because they clearly care so much about the football club.”

He added that discussions around Newcastle’s future direction were encouraging, regardless of short-term challenges. “The long-term planning that is clearly going on at a number of levels is exciting times ahead for the club,” he said.

“The desire is unchanged — to try and get to the top of the Premier League and win as many trophies as possible. I don’t think that will change while PIF are our owners.”

In its statement on LIV Golf, Public Investment Fund said it remains focused on deploying capital internationally in line with its broader investment strategy, including continued and future investments in sports as a priority sector. The LIV Golf series is backed by the fund as part of its wider push into global sporting properties.

Since the takeover, Newcastle have experienced mixed fortunes. The club has qualified for the UEFA Champions League twice and won the League Cup last season, marking significant progress on the pitch.

However, results have dipped this campaign, with Newcastle currently sitting 14th in the Premier League after four consecutive defeats, leading to increased scrutiny over Howe’s position.

Despite the pressure, the manager insisted he remains fully focused on the role.

“I’ve never needed clarity in my head — I’m here, I’m working and I’m committed,” Howe said. “A football club has to do what a football club has to do. The important thing is that we are moving in the right direction.”

“You can talk as much as you want, but the proof is in how the team performs. I’m under no illusions that it needs to be positive.” -Reporting by Aadi NairEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters