Newcastle United's Saudi-backed ownership has been shrouded in bleak suspicion and unfulfilled promises. The £69m signing of Nick Woltemade has stopped yielding goals, while Anthony Elanga's struggles for game time and goals weigh heavily on the team. The £35m centre-half Malick Thiaw continues to make basic errors, casting doubt over the overall direction of the club.
The lack of a sporting director during last summer's transfer window and an outgoing chief executive have led to a sense of disarray. Eddie Howe, the manager, is holding everything together with hugs and smiles, but it seems he cannot stem the tide of decline.
Alexander Isak's departure has lit the exit path for other players, including Sandro Tonali, whose agent created tension by putting Arsenal on alert. The club's failure to sign new players in January has only added to the sense of stagnation.
The stadium and training ground projects have been in limbo for over four years, with no concrete progress made. The public investment fund (PIF) had promised massive investments in housing and regeneration, but these plans seem to be nothing more than an empty promise.
Meanwhile, across Saudi Arabia, investments are being scaled back due to rising costs and declining oil revenues. The PIF's portfolio is littered with failed investments, leaving it running low on cash.
The Newcastle United faithful remain largely loyal, despite growing concerns over the club's direction. However, as the years go by without significant progress, a sense of disillusionment is building. The future of the club hangs in the balance, with decisions being made behind closed doors without any input from fans or stakeholders.
The Saudi regime's involvement in English football has raised eyebrows, and many questions remain unanswered. How will the PIF's finances affect Newcastle United? Will the promised investments materialize, or were they just a smokescreen to mask the club's true financial situation?
As Newcastle United struggles to find its footing, one thing is certain: the future of this once-great club hangs precariously in the balance.
The lack of a sporting director during last summer's transfer window and an outgoing chief executive have led to a sense of disarray. Eddie Howe, the manager, is holding everything together with hugs and smiles, but it seems he cannot stem the tide of decline.
Alexander Isak's departure has lit the exit path for other players, including Sandro Tonali, whose agent created tension by putting Arsenal on alert. The club's failure to sign new players in January has only added to the sense of stagnation.
The stadium and training ground projects have been in limbo for over four years, with no concrete progress made. The public investment fund (PIF) had promised massive investments in housing and regeneration, but these plans seem to be nothing more than an empty promise.
Meanwhile, across Saudi Arabia, investments are being scaled back due to rising costs and declining oil revenues. The PIF's portfolio is littered with failed investments, leaving it running low on cash.
The Newcastle United faithful remain largely loyal, despite growing concerns over the club's direction. However, as the years go by without significant progress, a sense of disillusionment is building. The future of the club hangs in the balance, with decisions being made behind closed doors without any input from fans or stakeholders.
The Saudi regime's involvement in English football has raised eyebrows, and many questions remain unanswered. How will the PIF's finances affect Newcastle United? Will the promised investments materialize, or were they just a smokescreen to mask the club's true financial situation?
As Newcastle United struggles to find its footing, one thing is certain: the future of this once-great club hangs precariously in the balance.