Manchester United have put their entire squad up for sale and could rake in serious money from Newcastle United's owners
The issue of Newcastle United's owners the Public Investment Fund (PIF) owning other teams in their native Saudi Arabai has always been a thorny subject, especially when it comes to transfers.
With players moving to PIF-owned outfits for big money, there has been the potential for Newcastle's majority owners to help fund transfer business for their Premier League rivals.
That could happen again this summer. Saudi Pro League newcomers Neom SC are reportedly ready to make a sensational bid to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer.
Onana's future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, less than two years after his £47million transfer from Inter Milan. The Cameroon international, brought in by Erik ten Hag, had a mixed first season with the Red Devils and his form has dipped this term, with just 11 clean sheets in 50 appearances.
He has made three mistakes leading to goals in the Premier League - the fifth-highest of any goalkeeper - fueling rumours about a potential departure. According to The Mirror, Neom, who secured promotion to the Saudi top-flight last month, are keen on Onana.
Backed by Newcastle's owners, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Neom have funds available for transfers. A deal for Onana is expected to cost around £35m reports the Manchester Evening News - a sum that would bolster Man United's finances and provide a significant cash boost for the summer transfer window.
It isn't the only big money that could be ending up in Man United's coffers via a PIF-owned club. Al-Hilal have offered £100m for captain Bruno Fernandes with the Portugal star weighing up the deal.
The Old Trafford outfit have put their entire squad up for sale after a dismal season left them without European football and in need of a huge overhaul. They have already signed Mattheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5m deal but need to move some players on to help fund their rebuild.
PIF own several clubs in Saudi Arabia, including the big four: Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr. They took over Neom in January 2019 and have been fully in charge since then, leading their successful campaign to the Saudi Pro League.
Newcastle sold Allan Saint-Maximin to Al-Ahli for £22m in 2023, but Man City earned nearly £30m from the same club through the sale of Riyad Mahrez while Brentford cashed in on Ivan Toney for around £40m.
Al-Ittihad gave Aston Villa £50m for Moussa Diaby and the Villans also benefited to the tune of £65m from Al-Nassr in January when they acquired Jhon Duran. Al-Hilal, meanwhile, bought Ruben Neves from Wolves for £46m.
Onana, aged 29 and with three years remaining on his Manchester United contract, could potentially rake in a whopping £15m annually if he decides to join the reigning champions of the Saudi First Division. Said Benrahma, formerly of West Ham and Brentford, spent the latter half of the season on loan at Neom, contributing to their successful promotion campaign.
Following criticism for his performance in the Europa League final against Tottenham last Wednesday, where Onana was unable to stop Brennan Johnson's shot, manager Ruben Amorim made the decision to bench him for Sunday's match against Aston Villa.
Altay Bayindir was given the nod but was fortunate not to concede a disastrous goal as he let the ball slip out of his grasp under pressure from Morgan Rogers, only for the referee to controversially rule it out.
Ruben Amorim provided clarity on the absence of Onana, stating: "Altay (Bayindir) is getting some time as a goalkeeper to experience football matches."
Last month, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano disclosed Onana's commitment to staying put at Manchester United, despite rumours about his future.
Romano reported: "At the moment, it's important to clarify that Onana wants to stay at Manchester United and compete at his best level as long as possible.
"It's his desire to change the situation, help the team, continue at Old Trafford and follow his dream.
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