Journalist John Wenham believes that Newcastle’s priority during their mid-season tour of Saudi Arabia will be to boost their commercial ventures in the region.
The tour, which is taking place as a means of keeping the squad fit during the World Cup break, saw them beat Al-Hilal 5-0 in a friendly, whilst wearing their controversial third-choice kit.
The green and white strip is similar to the kit worn by the Saudi Arabian national team, and the kit caused a stir given that owners Public Investment Fund took over the club more than a year ago.
Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham claimed that the trip as a whole, whilst intended as a mid-season training camp, was put on specifically to attract Saudi Arabian sponsors, as well as boost their support in the country.
“It makes sense from a business point of view, I’m sure it is a business decision,” Wenham stated of the third kit.
He added: “They are trying to appeal to new fans by wearing colours they are familiar with and identify with. There is a hotbed of fans out there.
“We know the kit is controversial but we also know why the club had it for this season.
“We know they are trying to secure various sponsorships at the moment, huge naming rights, huge shirt sponsor, maybe something for the training ground.
“Going to Saudi Arabia on a Saudi Arabian plane wearing Saudi Arabian colours can only endear the club to anyone over there who is looking to invest.
“It makes sense from a business point of view and that will be the main thing for the club at the moment even though a training camp will ultimately benefit the squad.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle in Saudi Arabia…
It seems obvious that the true purpose behind the trip was to boost the commercial side of the club in the region, and it comes as no surprise given the Saudi ownership of the club.
Since their arrival, they have overseen a huge turnaround in fortunes, with the appointment of Eddie Howe and investment in the squad propelling the Magpies to third place in the Premier League, and attracting new fans in the country is a smart business decision to make.
The third kit may have even been released with this trip in mind, and from a pure marketing standpoint, is a good way to boost the club’s popularity in the region, so we agree with Wenham’s comments.