- Premier League clubs to vote on ban involving incoming loan signings
- 14 of the 20 top-flight clubs must agree to pass the proposal on November 21
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Premier League shareholders will vote on a temporary ban involving incoming loan signings between clubs with the same owners later this month, meaning Newcastle would not be able to arrange deals for players in Saudi Arabia.
It will need 14 of the 20 top-flight members to agree to pass the fast-tracked proposal on November 21, and this is expected to happen.
That would close the door on Newcastle loaning the likes of Ruben Neves from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, whose Public Investment Fund owners have an 80 per cent stake at St. James’ Park. Former Wolves midfielder Neves would be an ideal replacement for Sandro Tonali, who is currently banned for 10 months after breaking gambling rules in Italy.
However, Premier League rivals are set to block such a move in time for the January transfer window. There will then be a review of the situation before permanent changes are potentially introduced.
The temporary ban would not apply to permanent transfers, as they are already subject to the Premier League’s ‘associated-party transaction’ checks.
Move would stop Newcastle trying to sign Saudi-based players such as Ruben Neves on loan
Public Investment Fund own Saudi side Al-Hilal and have an 80 per cent stake in Newcastle
But all multi-club ownership models, such as Manchester City’s City Football Group, would be affected under the changes. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Brighton, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace have owners with stakes in foreign clubs, while incoming Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns French team Nice.
Unlike Newcastle and the four PIF-owned Saudi clubs, however, the majority of those overseas teams are not stocked with star names. Brighton use their arrangement with Belgian team Union St Gilloise – in which Seagulls owner Tony Bloom has a minority stake – to send players on loan to gain experience.
But, going forward, all transfers – permanent and loan -…