Newcastle United takeover: Coutinho, Ramsey, Sterling? Picking out potential transfer targets

Finally, Newcastle United have new owners.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund have completed a deal to buy an 80 per cent stake in the Premier League club, with Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners and the Reuben brothers’ RB Sports & Media splitting the rest between them.

The deal was approved by the Premier League on Thursday after “legally binding assurances” were received that Newcastle will not be controlled by Saudi Arabia, meaning the Mike Ashley era is over.

Staveley made clear the new owners’ intentions in a statement, saying: “Our ambition is aligned with the fans — to create a consistently successful team that’s regularly competing for major trophies and generates pride across the globe.”

To do that, money will need to be invested in the playing squad. PIF have plenty of it, so it did not take long for potential transfer targets to be suggested on social media once the deal was confirmed.

Could they make an immediate splash, just as Manchester City’s owners did when bringing in Robinho back in September 2008? Will they look to those at the more established sides stuck on the periphery, or target divisional rivals with assets that can be purchased at the right price?

Stats Perform has picked out some potential targets, but let the speculation begin!