Newcastle football club is investing $260 million in a training complex that will be ready for use from the 2029-30 season. This signals the commitment of its Saudi owners to the club, especially after a series of high-profile player sales over the past year. This was reported by infohub.kz.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) — Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, which acquired Newcastle in 2021 — has faced growing skepticism about its commitment to the club. This follows the departure of Alexander Isak last season, and Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali this summer, as the club strives to comply with English soccer's stricter financial rules.
Additionally, Newcastle failed to qualify for the lucrative Champions League, a competition that brought in an estimated 50 million pounds ($70 million) to the club last season. The team slipped to 12th place in the Premier League and failed to produce results after the departure of coach Eddie Howe.
Furthermore, PIF has stated its intention to scale back its sports portfolio, including withdrawing financial backing for LIV Golf.
"This project represents a significant long-term investment into the club's future by its owners PIF and RB Sports & Media," Newcastle said in a statement.
Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson described it as a "landmark moment" for the club.
According to the statement, Newcastle will purchase the 260-acre Woolsington Hall estate — which includes a derelict listed country house and parkland — close to the city's airport. The club plans to build a "world-class training complex" there. The purchase is subject to planning permission, which will be applied for next year, with the men's first team expected to move in for the 2029-30 season.
The site was previously purchased by former Newcastle chairman John Hall in 1994 as a potential academy venue. Newcastle is also considering the possibility of integrating bespoke women's and girls' facilities.