Saudi Arabia’s PIF changed Newcastle United forever and their investment handed down memories to generations of supporters that will no doubt last a lifetime.
Their spending in the transfer market may have been excessive at some stages, but it has given Eddie Howe the foundation he needs to succeed on Tyneside.
He led the team to the Carabao Cup last season and then won their first trophy in 56 years, something that would have been unthinkable under the previous ownership group.
Consistent finishes in the Premier League’s top five have led to numerous Champions League campaigns, and the Magpies have faced the best teams in Europe.
However, the January transfer window could be a new opportunity for the board to join forces and invest again in the first-team squad.
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There is no doubt that Newcastle will be looking to bring in additional defensive reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window, with the Magpies having struggled with injuries recently.
Tarik Muharemovic, who plays for Sassuolo in Serie A, has been in the spotlight in recent weeks, and there is every possibility that a transfer battle could emerge over his signature.
Juventus are also said to be interested in the 22-year-old, but it is currently unclear how much the Bosnian youngster will be available for over the winter.
However, the midfield department could also be an area for investment, with Ruben Neves being a player the Magpies are interested in signing.
According to TEAMtalk, Howe’s side have already contacted Al Hilal about a possible move for the Portugal international, who is keen to return to the Premier League.
The report also states that the Magpies could have an advantage in the race to sign the 28-year-old given their links to the Saudi Professional League through their current owners.
Why Neves could be Newcastle’s next Guimarães
Newcastle are no strangers to spending big on midfielders in January, as seen in their £40m move to sign Bruno Guimarães in the winter of 2022.
Such a move was one of the first big business deals the organization made after the acquisition, and the deal remains one of their best deals to date.
The Brazilian has made 178 appearances for the Magpies over the past four years and has been a shining light in the club’s recent success in various competitions.
Guimarães continued his form throughout the opening stages of the 2025/26 campaign, as evidenced by his five goals and two assists in the first 15 league games of the season.
However, the board could potentially repeat the move for the 28-year-old with a move for Neves in the coming weeks, and this deal could prove to be a truly shrewd move.
The former Wolves star had previously spent five years in England’s top flight and had the tools to provide a great and experienced option at the heart of the team.
His performances in Saudi Arabia this season have shown his talent and the Portuguese international is definitely the man to increase the options at Howe’s disposal.
Ruben Neves – Statistics for 2025/26 | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 9 |
Number of points scored | 4 |
pass completed | 91% |
An opportunity has arisen | 1.4 |
Touches per game | 97 |
Number of times stripped | 0 |
won a duel | 67% |
recovery has taken place | 5.1 |
Statistics by FotMob | |
He currently has a 91% pass success rate in the Middle East, averaging 71 out of 90 passes, both of which rank in the top 5% of all players in his division.
Both performances highlight Guimarães’ uncanny ability to handle the ball at his feet, something he became known for during his time at St James’ Park.
But when he wasn’t in possession, Neves was just as impressive, with 1.1 tackles won and a 59% duel win rate, and he was a dominant presence thereafter.
Other stats, such as a 67% aerial success rate and 5.1 recoveries per 90, demonstrate his all-around talent and have earned him considerable praise as a result.
Soccer doctor Raj Chauhan previously even praised the former Wolves star as currently “the most underrated player in world football”.
It is unclear how much it will cost to sign a midfielder this winter, but it is certainly a move that will strengthen the squad and increase the club’s chances of success.
If he can approach the level that Guimarães produced on Tyneside, he will surely become a fan favorite and have the chance to add more silverware to his CV.
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Newcastle United secured their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a win against Fulham last night.
