Keith Wyness, the former chief of Everton, recently shared his insights on how Newcastle United’s transfer strategy will be impacted by the new approach of Saudi officials. In a podcast interview with Football Insider, Wyness emphasized that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) does not want their Pro League to become a “dumping ground” for older players, despite previous deals that brought players like Cristiano Ronaldo to the Middle East.
Since the PIF took over Newcastle in 2021, the club has seen a significant transformation that has propelled them into European contention in the Premier League. The Pro League in Saudi Arabia has also been revamped, attracting top players like Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. However, Wyness pointed out that the focus now is on recruiting younger talents rather than aging stars from European clubs.
Wyness highlighted that Allan Saint-Maximin is the only player who has made the move from Newcastle to Saudi Arabia so far. He expressed his belief that it will be challenging for clubs like Newcastle to secure high transfer fees for older players who are no longer in their plans, as the Pro League aims to lower the age demographic of its players.
While there may still be significant transfers taking place in Saudi Arabia, Wyness suggested that the era of seasoned superstars like Ronaldo moving to the Middle East is coming to an end. The focus is now on developing young talent and building a competitive league that can attract fans and investors.
In conclusion, the Saudi officials are determined to change the perception of their league and are moving away from being a destination for aging players looking for one last payday. This shift in strategy will undoubtedly impact how clubs like Newcastle approach their transfer dealings with clubs in the Middle East. It remains to be seen how this new approach will shape the future of football in Saudi Arabia and its impact on the global transfer market.
