Gary Neville has stressed that he had 'no problem' with Newcastle United's takeover - even if the Manchester United legend has taken issue with the Saudi Pro League's big-money moves.
As well as controlling an 80% stake in Newcastle, of course, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) have also taken ownership of the Pro League's four biggest clubs: Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal and Al Nassr. To date, the PIF have already convinced Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Ruben Neves to join Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, and more big names will follow.
Experienced internationals are being targeted at a time when Chelsea are clearing their decks to generate transfer funds, reduce an eye-watering wage bill and cut a bloated squad. Chelsea, as a result, have found an enthusiastic buyer for Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hakim Ziyech and Kante in the PIF, who have longstanding links to the club's owners.
