Newcastle cleared to sign Saudi Pro League players

Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan (left) is the governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund

Newcastle United will be permitted to sign players on loan from the Saudi Pro League in January after a vote by Premier League clubs did not receive the support required to be introduced.

That was one short of the total number needed for it to be implemented.

The Premier League was understood to be in favour of introducing the ban.

It means Newcastle United, for instance, could sign players from clubs also owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Newcastle, whose £305m Saudi Arabian-backed takeover was completed in October 2021, have been linked with a move for former Wolves captain Ruben Neves from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

The ban was proposed as a temporary measure until a concrete solution could be agreed before the summer transfer window.

It was only set to apply to incoming loans, not outgoing.

PIF, which provided 80% of funds for the Newcastle takeover, took over four of the leading Saudi Arabian clubs in June - Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad.

Asked in November whether he would consider signing players from Saudi Arabia if allowed, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said he was "open to signing anyone if they are good enough".

More to follow.