When Saudi Arabia's PIF sensationally swooped to buy Newcastle United in October 2021, it made news headlines around the world.
Forty years ago, there was another Saudi-related football story doing the rounds - but with rather less substance. It was January 1983, and United star Terry McDermott, dressed up like an Arab sheikh, decided to carry out a practical joke on United staff.
The 31-year-old midfielder hatched his plot after reading reports that superstar teammate Kevin Keegan was wanted by a club in soccer-mad Saudi Arabia. Arriving unannounced at the Magpies' Benwell training ground, and wearing an outfit he had acquired in Dubai while on tour with former club Liverpool, the mystery visitor informed manager Arthur Cox that he wanted to talk transfer business over Keegan. It didn't take too long, however, for Cox and Keegan to rumble the prank and much laughter ensued.
