When it comes to the movers and shakers who made Newcastle United's historic takeover possible, it is safe to say, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, was the outsider of the group. Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi had spent many years studying the club and the city after numerous attempts at brokering previous deals, while the Reuben Family have long-running business ties to region.
Yet 12 months on from the takeover, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Governor Al-Rumayyan has already done a lot to prove he understands the Geordie faithful and the football club his sovereign wealth fund now owns. To mark the one-year anniversary, the United chairman penned an open letter to supporters on Thursday evening, thanking for them for their continued support in what has been a monumental year both on and off the pitch on Tyneside.
"To all the fans of Newcastle United Football Club. Thank you for your incredible support. I am very conscious of the contributions that you all make – on and off the field," Al-Rumayyan wrote. "Football clubs are driven by their fans. And this Club’s fans are more passionate and more committed than any others.
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"I have seen for myself on many occasions how Newcastle fans have lifted our team. As we mark the first anniversary of our takeover of the Club, it seemed appropriate to take the time to say thank you – on behalf of the Newcastle Board."
READ AL-RUMAYYAN'S FULL OPEN LETTER TO FANS HERE
As well as his letter to fans, Al-Rumayyan also spent almost two hours in front of TV cameras in Saudi Arabia earlier this week as he outlined PIF's vision for the future, dissected their vast portfolio, pondered upcoming projects and of course, talked about Newcastle United. The Magpies chief first began explaining how the 2021 takeover materialised, praising Staveley for presenting the opportunity to his Fund.
The 52-year-old wasted no time explaining the financial reasoning behind the deal, with PIF offered 30 per cent of an unnamed Premier League club for £700m. It was, of course, then a no-brainer to pick up a majority stake in United for a meagre £350m.
"Before Newcastle we had offers from Italy, France and also the UK. One UK club offered us 30 per cent for £700m and without any management," he told Radio Eight in Saudi Arabia. "Amanda Staveley brought Newcastle to us and said 'we like it so much, we would like it to be with you'. The Reuben family came and said 'we would like to be partners in the investment'. So they have skin in the game.
"We bought the team for £350m, compared to 30 per cent [of the unnamed club] which is £700m. Then you have Chelsea who sold for £3.5bn. So my aim now is to make Newcastle go from £350m to £3.5bn, that's 10 times the money. If we had bought Chelsea, for example, how much would it bring us in profit?"
Yet it was the next stage of the Saudi TV interview that stood out, as Al-Rumayyan went on to explain why Newcastle could indeed become as big as Chelsea or any other club currently plying their trade in England's top flight.
With a glint in his eye, Al-Rumayyan continued: "Newcastle United is the only club present in one city, meaning there is no bigger club than Newcastle. There are one million in the area and they are all present. We have 52,000 seats in the stadium and tickets are always sold out."
Al-Rumayyan has wasted no time acquainting himself with supporters on Tyneside, becoming an honorary member of the Wor Flags fan club after being spotted parading a black and white banner during a pre-match display earlier this year. His Excellency also enjoyed a kick about on the hallowed St James' Park turf after the win over Crystal Palace last season, as he, Amanda, Mehrdad and Jamie all enjoyed a brief game amongst themselves after the full-time whistle.
His last appearance at a Newcastle game came earlier this season after the 3-3 draw with Manchester City, with Toon boss Eddie Howe admitting the spirited performance had left the chairman satisfied. "I saw him very briefly after the game," Howe told reporters. "He was in good spirits. He was very proud of the team. He was very pleased with the effort and commitment shown.
Al-Rumayyan hasn't shied away from the spotlight since taking up his post at the club and is clearly relishing being a part of the journey with other Newcastle supporters. This open letter is the latest reminder that both he and PIF have a vested interest in their north east outfit, despite their plethora of investments and money-making investments around the world.
There is no denying the principle reason behind adding Newcastle to the PIF arsenal was for the Saudi wealth fund to gain a slice of the Premier League pie and all the added perks that come attached. But it is positive to see the United chairman has clearly taken the club to his heart in such a short period of time.
