Newcastle United latest news: Newcastle United have been listed by PIF among their 2024 achievements in their annual report.

Newcastle United have endured a tough summer so far, but look to be making progress on a couple of exciting transfers that could transform Eddie Howe’s side. After sealing Champions League qualification for the second-time in three seasons, it was hoped that this summer could be a transformative one on the pitch.

Although that is yet to happen, the dynamic of the club could have totally shifted before the window closes on Monday 1 September. Updates on a new stadium and training ground are awaited, however, whilst key appointments, namely a new sporting director and CEO are also expected imminently. Those lack of key figures have meant updates from the ownership have been rare, unintentionally creating a vacuum of information from St James’ Park.

Despite a myriad of off-field issues, the Magpies have continued to impress on the pitch under Howe, whilst Newcastle United Women, under the guidance of Becky Langley, narrowly missed out on a historic third-successive promotion last season and a place in the Women’s Super League.

And those achievements have been highlighted by PIF in their 2024 annual report which, in an update on their International Strategic Investments (ISI) states: ‘Newcastle United’s women’s team won the FA Women’s National League Premier Division, securing promotion to the Championship. The club launched its 2024/25 season kit in partnership with Adidas and opened a flagship store at St. James’ Park, reinforcing its expanding commercial and brand strategy.’

Eddie Howe defends PIF and Newcastle United owners

A summer of frustration in the transfer market, though, has seen the commitment of PIF, the majority owners of Newcastle United, called into question by some sections of the fan base. Many of the criticisms of PIF from fans have centred around where Newcastle United feature in their priority list.

PIF own clubs in Saudi Arabia, have invested in the controversial LIV Golf movement, as well as interests elsewhere in football. All of these have seen some fans on social media worry that the ownership, who have been hamstrung by the Premier League’s financial rules ever since the takeover was confirmed in October 2021, may have lost interest in the club.

Eddie Howe, though, has emphatically dismissed that notion. Asked whether the owners are not as engaged in the club and project as they once were, Howe responded: “No, the owners are very much engaged, as much as they always have been. There's a lot going on in the football club behind the scenes to take the club forward.

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“Whether that's stadium-related, training ground-related. These things, unfortunately, do take time and there's not a quick decision-making process that can fast-forward things any quicker than they take.

“Obviously, I'm not in control of any of the details of that. But I am part of board meetings and a lot of talk about the future.

“They're very much here and desperate for success and to take the club forward. This has been a challenging period where there'll be a lot of different opinions on different subjects.

“But I can assure everybody connected with Newcastle that the owners are very much behind the project. And fighting every day for the club.”

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