Former Newcastle United winger Chris Waddle has cast doubt on the commitment of the club's owners, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), following a summer transfer strategy that has seen star players sold and younger, cheaper replacements brought in. Waddle compared the situation to the LIV Golf Tour, which PIF will stop financing at the end of the current season.
Waddle's Concerns Over Ownership Commitment
"I just wonder with the Saudi group at Newcastle, what's happening?" Waddle told OLBG. "LIV Golf has fallen apart. That's the same group. They spent billions on that. I just wonder if financially things have started changing with them."
Chronicle Live understands the club's owners remain committed to the Newcastle United project, a commitment reaffirmed at the club's annual summit at Matfen Hall in May. However, the sales of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali within the last 12 months, coupled with a focus on younger, higher-value players from outside the Premier League, have fueled Waddle's doubts.
Summer Transfer Activity and Strategy Shift
Newcastle have made three signings this summer, all aged 20 or under: goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen (20) from Stade Reims, winger Bazoumana Toure (20) from Hoffenheim, and teenage midfielder Sean Steur (18) from Ajax. In contrast, top-level, experienced Premier League players have been heading for the exit door.
Waddle believes head coach Eddie Howe's "hands are tied" heading into the new season. "Now Newcastle are looking at players in their 20s, but they'll only spend what they recoup from the sales of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Anthony Gordon," he said. "We'll wait and see, but they're getting rid of three players who are proven in the Premier League to three players who may come in who are unknown. That's a massive gamble and I don't think it's helpful for Eddie Howe. I think his hands are tied."
Impact on Eddie Howe and Fan Sentiment
Waddle acknowledged Howe's ability to adapt, stating, "Howe will get on with it, and we know he's a good coach who has done great work at Newcastle. I'm sure he still has a lot of backing from the fans, who will be looking to the ownership for answers on why players are leaving, why the club is cashing in on them, and why they are bringing in replacements for less than the value of those they are offloading."
