Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has said he is confident the club’s Saudi-backed owners remain fully committed to building the team into one of the best in world football.
The 48-year-old made the comments on Friday after holding what he described as “constructive” discussions with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns an 85 percent stake in the club and serves as its chairman.
The remarks come shortly after the PIF reportedly withdrew multi-billion-dollar funding from LIV Golf at the end of the season, raising questions about its broader sporting investments. However, Howe insisted Newcastle’s project remains unaffected.
According to the manager, the discussions reinforced the owners’ ambition to continue developing the club and competing at the highest level.
He said there was no need for formal assurances about financial backing, adding that the commitment from the ownership has remained consistent since the takeover of Newcastle United F.C. in 2021.
“The desire is unchanged, to try and get to the top of the Premier League and win trophies consistently,” Howe said, noting that the leadership remains highly ambitious for the club’s future.
However, he admitted that the current season has been disappointing, with Newcastle struggling in the Premier League after previously securing Champions League qualification and winning a major trophy under his tenure.
Howe revealed that discussions with the club’s hierarchy have included tough questions about performance and decision-making, especially given the team’s recent slump in form.
He added that while such meetings are challenging, they are part of regular reviews regardless of results, though this season’s poor league position has made the conversations more difficult.
Newcastle have suffered nine defeats in their last 12 league matches, leaving them 14th in the table, although still clear of the relegation zone.
Despite speculation over his future, Howe said he remains focused on improving results, stressing the importance of maintaining long-term vision while also securing immediate victories as the club prepares to face Brighton in their next fixture.
