Heavy financial investment often rocks the footballing fraternity but very few takeovers can compare with the international scrutiny the Saudi Arabian investment at Newcastle United generated in 2021.<\/p>\n
One of the great footballing institutions in England and beyond, Newcastle United had endured a relative spell in the doldrums in the 2000s, with Toon dropping down into the Championship on two separate occasions.<\/p>\n
Having bounced back under the likes of Chris Hughton and Rafa Benitez, Newcastle looked to have accepted a life of relative mediocrity in the Premier League \u2013 battling away for survival under the stewardship of famously frugal chairman Mike Ashley.<\/p>\n
The narrative around the club however changed overnight in September 2021, as Saudi Arabia\u2019s Public Investment Fund decided to pump over \u00a3300 million into the coffers at Newcastle and in the space of just over 12 months, the mood around St James\u2019s Park has transformed.<\/p>\n
Eddie Howe was brought in<\/a> to replace Steve Bruce as manager and with significant financial investment in the playing staff, Newcastle United are a side undoubtedly going places.<\/p>\n How far Newcastle can go this season remains to be seen and ascertaining whether they have the staying power to keep pace with the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal will be revealed in their upcoming fixtures.<\/p>\n However, with over a third of the Premier League season complete, Newcastle find themselves sitting comfortably in the top 4 of the table \u2013 above the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.<\/p>\n Ending the season in the top 4 would be a superb return for Newcastle, with their Saudi Arabian owners having been vocal about their quest to join the Champions League<\/a> in the not too distant future.<\/p>\n With Manchester City and Arsenal seemingly battling it out for the league title, Toon look to be competing with Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool for two remaining spots.<\/p>\n