Newcastle owners to use new kit to rival Al Nassr as no.1 club in Middle East

The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia who own 80 per cent of the club want to strengthen the link between themselves and the club whilst aiming to increase the number of Saudi-based fans.

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That would mean going up against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr who have seen their worldwide popularity grow tenfold since his arrival in January.

The Ronaldo effect has propelled Al Nassr's Instagram following from 745,000 in November 2022 to a staggering 13.6 million in March 2023.

Their post announcing the official arrival of the Portuguese star garnered 34 million likes alone - a stark contrast to their previous highest-performing post of 15.2K likes.

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Since Ronaldo's arrival, the club's social media engagement has skyrocketed with an average of 861.4K likes and 3.9K comments per post.

The Magpies would have to go some way to match Al Nassr's social media popularity with the north east club currently at 1.5m Instagram followers.

Newcastle made headlines last year after revealing a green and white kit resembling the Saudi Arabia national team jersey.

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The club has come under fire after Amnesty International UK were highly critical of the country's human rights record.

Despite the controversy, the kit was a hit among the club's supporters who flocked in their droves to purchase one.

PIF are targeting a host of sponsorship deals between the club and Saudi businesses and according to The Times, the green and white strip will be adopted again next season.

Newcastle's sleeve sponsor is Noon, a Middle East online shopping marketplace based in Riyadh.

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Saudia were announced as the club's official airline partner last year when the club travelled to Riyadh for a warm-weather training camp.

Newcastle's chief commercial officer, Peter Silverstone confirmed their intentions of targeting the Saudi fan base after sealing the deal with Saudia.

He said: "We are focused on growing our fanbase and following in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East. Our ambition is to become the most supported global football team in Saudi Arabia."

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The Magpies continue their quest for Champions League qualification when they host Wolves this weekend.

After a long-unbeaten run, Eddie Howe's side have lost their last three games in all competitions and are without a league win in almost two months.

Newcastle have slipped to sixth in the table, four-points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham but have two games in hand.