The state of Saudi Arabia has been linked with bids for two Premier League giants as they look to add to their involvement in football.
In October 2021, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) purchased Newcastle for £300 million in what was deemed to be a watershed moment.
Businesswoman Amanda Staveley was key in making the deal happen, going on to become a minority co-owner and club director before departing in July.
But while the Magpies did secure passage back into the Champions League, their spending has been somewhat limited and they haven’t quite been able to splash out on marquee signings because of PSR regulations.
In June 2024, the PIF took ownership of four of the Saudi Pro League’s leading clubs when they acquired a 75% stake in Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal and Al Nassr – allowing them to bring in a host of household name additions.
But according to The Independent, Saudi chiefs are targeting both Chelsea and Liverpool, while there’s even been a suggestion that Barcelona could be an option given their issues.
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Miguel Delaney writes: “There is even the feeling within the game that the Saudi state is ultimately eyeing a bigger club.
“Rumours abound about both Liverpool and Chelsea. Barcelona’s financial troubles are even seen as potentially bringing an end to the club’s full member ownership and forcing the sale of a partial stake.”
Liverpool have been owned by Fenway Sports Group (FSG) since 2010, though it’s understood Tom Werner and John Henry do not have as much involvement currently.
Chelsea, meanwhile, were bought by the BlueCo consortium in a £4.25 billion takeover in May 2022 and pledged investment of £1.75 billion afterwards.
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They also acquired sister club RC Strasbourg for a fee of €75 million and appear to to be in the project for the long-haul.
The Blues have dealt with Saudi in terms of transfers, having allowed N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy to leave.
Rules stipulate that an individual owning more than 30 per cent of a Premier League club cannot own a second side.
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Topics: Saudi Arabia, Premier League