Newcastle United are open to Saudi Arabian sponsors taking on the naming rights of St James' Park in a bid to accelerate the club's desire for European football in the coming years. The move would undoubtedly split opinion on Tyneside but would also offer the Magpies a lucrative way of securing significant additional income as they bid to expand the city centre stadium.
Mike Ashley famously renamed St James' Park back in 2011, prompting a sour reaction from the fanbase after the 'Sports Direct Arena' was unveiled. Back then, Newcastle bosses insisted it was a temporary measure to "showcase the sponsorship opportunity to interested parties".
The move was roundly condemned by Newcastle supporters due to Ashley's connection to the high street store, his previous lack of investment in the club and failure to consult fans before making the decision. This time around it will be a different proposition, with Newcastle's new CEO Darren Eales this week confirming nothing would be pushed through without fan consultation beforehand.
