Which Saudi Pro League Players Could Newcastle Sign On Loan?

There is nothing to stop Newcastle United from loaning players from the Saudi Pro League. This was confirmed by a vote held this week proposing a temporary ban on related-party loans. 12 clubs voted in favour of a block, but a two-thirds majority was needed for it to be passed. It failed to receive that support.

And so Newcastle United – co-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) – can look to the Saudi Pro League for loan additions this January. This could help Eddie Howe strengthen his squad as the Magpies look to finish in the PremierPINC -0.1% League’s top four for the second successive season.

Ruben Neves has been widely mentioned as a potential target with the Portuguese international currently playing for Al-Hilal. Neves would give Howe another option in central midfield and is certainly good enough to play at Premier League level having shone for Wolves over a number of seasons.

If Newcastle are in the market to strengthen their midfield, Marcelo Brozovic would be a sound addition. The Croatian joined Al Nassr in the summer transfer window and is renowned as one of the best midfield anchors in the sport. He could give Newcastle United some valuable balance in the centre of the pitch.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is another midfielder, albeit of a different mould to Brozovic, who could be on Newcastle United’s radar. The Serbian has long been linked with a move to the Premier League and his driving runs and attacking instincts could give Howe a different dimension to use in the second half of the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the biggest superstar playing in the Saudi Pro League. The Al Nassr centre forward would be a statement signing for Newcastle, but it’s difficult to envisage Howe disrupting his attacking unit with the addition of Ronaldo who would surely expect to start every match for the Magpies.