PIF rip up Newcastle cult hero’s contract, he has a new club lined up – Fabrizio Romano
The summer transfer window is always a period of intense speculation and big decisions, and for the owners of Newcastle United, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the work continues even after the English deadline has passed.
While the focus for fans remains squarely on the comings and goings at St. James’ Park, the Saudi-based fund is also managing its broader portfolio of football investments, which has just led to a significant move involving a former Magpies favourite.
In a surprising twist, Aleksandar Mitrovic’s highly successful stint in Saudi Arabia is coming to an end.
The powerful Serbian striker, who became a cult hero during his time on Tyneside, is set for a new challenge after Al Hilal, one of the four Saudi Pro League clubs majority-owned by PIF, agreed to terminate his contract.
This unexpected decision paves the way for the 30-year-old to complete a move to Qatari side Al-Rayyan, as first reported by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
This brings a close to a remarkable two-year chapter for Mitrovic in the Middle East. He originally made the move from Fulham to Al Hilal in 2023 for a fee of £50 million, and his impact was nothing short of spectacular.
Finding the net with stunning regularity, he scored an incredible 68 goals in just 79 appearances across all competitions, firmly establishing himself as one of the most feared forwards in the region.
His departure marks a major shift for the Saudi club and demonstrates the fluid and often unpredictable nature of the football landscape under PIF’s stewardship.
For Newcastle supporters, the name Mitrovic will always evoke a sense of what might have been. It was almost a decade ago, in the summer of 2015, that a young and fiery striker arrived from Anderlecht for £13 million, brimming with passion and promise.
He wasn’t just another signing; he was a boyhood fan of the club who had grown up idolising the one and only Alan Shearer. From his very first interview, he spoke of the honour of pulling on the black and white shirt and expressed his dream of emulating his legendary hero.
The St. James’ Park faithful instantly took him to their hearts, embracing his combative style and obvious passion for the badge.
However, his time at the club ultimately became a story of unfulfilled potential. Across 72 appearances, he scored 17 goals—a respectable but not earth-shattering return.
His journey included the heartbreak of relegation in his first full season, followed by a contribution to the club’s immediate promotion back to the Premier League.
Yet, by February 2018, he was deemed surplus to requirements and left for Fulham on loan, a move that became permanent that summer, launching a prolific chapter of his career in West London.
His impending move to Qatar serves as a poignant footnote to his connection with Newcastle. It underscores the complex and often emotional nature of football, where a player’s path can twist and turn through different leagues and countries, far from where their story began.
While PIF’s primary focus remains on building a successful future for Newcastle United, their decision to facilitate Mitrovic’s exit from their Saudi asset is a reminder of their vast influence and the constant strategic maneuvering happening behind the scenes.
For Mitrovic, a player who once dreamed of becoming a Geordie legend, his adventure in football continues in a new league, carrying with him the affection of a fanbase that will always remember what could have been.