The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has confirmed that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund remains actively involved in running Newcastle United despite limited public presence and ongoing speculation about their lack of interest in staying in Tyneside for long.
“The accusations of borderline ‘absenteeism’ levelled at PIF will only continue while they do not have a visible presence on the ground on Tyneside,” Waugh said.
However, Waugh explained that communication between the club and ownership is frequent,
though it tends to be a bit in the shadows.
“Hopkinson speaks to ownership on an almost daily, if not a daily, basis, while Ross Wilson is also in regular contact with PIF officials,” Waugh said. “Much of their communication tends to be over the phone or via video calls, with PIF involvement in many key online conference meetings.”
One key figure plays a central role in that relationship: Board of Directors member Jacabo Solis—along with longtime brass man Jamie Reuben.
“The most prominent point of contact for many senior staff is Jacobo Solis,” Waugh said. “It is Solis who is often involved in internal transfer discussions and who acts as a direct point of contact between the majority owners and the club’s hierarchy.
“Jamie Reuben is also regularly in communication with senior figures and is sometimes involved in transfer negotiations,” Waugh said.
Despite that involvement, the club’s leadership handles daily operations.
“PIF have installed Hopkinson, Wilson and the executive team to run Newcastle on a day-to-day basis,” Waugh said. “They are not physically present at every match or every day, yet nor are they anywhere near as hands-off as some suspect.”
Judging by Waugh’s report, it’s fair to assume that the goals set by PIF might not come as soon as expected, but the Saudi contingent is here to stay and keep pushing for further success down the road happening in Tyneside.
