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Kieran Maguire: Premier League cannot block Newcastle United from signing Saudi stars in January
The Premier League cannot impact deals between Newcastle United and the Saudi Pro League unless they change their rules.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that Newcastle will be able to take advantage of their links to Saudi Arabia in the upcoming transfer window.
According to TeamTalk, PIF have informed Newcastle’s hierarchy that they are willing to green-light deals between them and the Saudi Pro League in January.
The Saudi league heavily invested in new signings over the summer, and Newcastle are set to be offered the chance to sign some of Saudi’s stars in the winter transfer window.
The Magpies are looking to strengthen their midfield following the suspension of Sandro Tonali, while Eddie Howe may also look to bolster his defence after a number of long-term injuries.
Maguire explained that any deals over £1million will be assessed by the Premier League, but there are no rules that can allow them to block any transfers.
“Under the present rules, the Premier League fair value panel can assess any loan agreement or transfer agreement worth more than £1million,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“But we’ve seen with Watford and Udinese that the two clubs have had transactions over 20+ entities.
“They have common ownership and have completed over 20 deals between both clubs.
“The Premier League did nothing in regard to those deals.
“Clearly Newcastle is a higher profile example.
“But unless there is a meeting between executives of Premier League clubs and the rules are changed, I think it’s difficult to see what the Premier League can do here, there’s nothing they can do about it.
“It does appear to open up a route for Newcastle to benefit from their close relationship that they have with PIF and the Saudi Pro League.“
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