Eddie Howe left Matfen Hall on Thursday convinced that the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns 85 percent of Newcastle United, remains fully committed to the club's long‑term ambition of becoming a global football powerhouse. The 48‑year‑old manager said his recent "constructive" discussions with Yasir Al‑Rumayyan, chairman of both the club and PIF, reinforced the belief that the owners still want to grow Newcastle on every level, even though the season has been far from what they envisioned.
The conversations took place against the backdrop of a major announcement from the Saudis: they will cease funding LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season, ending a $5 billion (£3.7 billion) investment in the break‑away tour. Despite that high‑profile shift, Howe said he received no explicit guarantees about future club financing, but he also did not ask for any. "What came through was the determination to succeed and to continue to grow the club in every aspect," he explained.
"The desire is unchanged – we want to reach the top of the Premier League and win as many trophies as possible. As long as PIF remains the majority shareholder, that ambition will not change." Howe stressed that building a club capable of challenging for the Premier League title and European honours is a marathon, not a sprint. He noted that improvements to the stadium, training facilities and other infrastructure cannot be achieved "with the click of a finger" because they are intrinsically linked to revenue streams and long‑term planning.
"Everyone wants to fast‑forward the process, but sometimes you have to take the time to get it right," he said. The manager described the meetings with the owners as part of an annual routine, regardless of Newcastle's league position.
"There were challenging conversations and challenging questions – that's all part of it," Howe said. He added that this year the questions were tougher because the club sits 14th in the table, eight points off European qualification and the same distance from the relegation zone.
Nevertheless, he praised the owners for being constructive and caring deeply about the football side of the business. "It's very exciting times ahead for the club, regardless of short‑term results. The long‑term vision is clearly there," he concluded. Howe's tenure at Newcastle has already produced historic milestones.
He guided the Magpies into the Champions League on two occasions and broke a 70‑year drought by winning a major domestic trophy. However, the current campaign has been disappointing, with a run of nine defeats in twelve league games that has left the team in the lower half of the table.
The manager acknowledged the poor form during Thursday's talks, but he insisted his focus remains on steering the club forward. Speculation about Howe's future has intensified after the recent slump. Despite the pressure, Howe said he does not need "clarity" about his next season; he is simply committed to doing his job. "I never needed a crystal‑ball answer about my future – I'm here, I'm working and I'm committed.
A football club has to do what a football club has to do," he said. He emphasized that performance on the pitch is the ultimate proof of any plan: "You can talk as much as you want, but the proof is in how the team performs. I'm under no illusion that we need to be positive." The manager also addressed his personal motivation, stating that he feels invigorated rather than needing a boost. "My motivation levels are really high.
Difficult runs force you to re‑evaluate everything and improve. Sometimes the most disappointing moments are when you learn the most," Howe reflected. He added that retaining confidence in his own future is essential for the club's stability: "It doesn't serve anybody not to have a long‑term vision.
But we need to win games." In terms of squad availability, midfielder Joelinton is set to return after serving a two‑match ban, while Anthony Gordon may be back from a hip‑flexor injury. Their fitness could provide a lift as Newcastle prepare to host Brighton at St James' Park on Saturday – a match that could prove pivotal in halting the recent slide. The broader football community has weighed in.
Sky Sports analyst Paul Merson praised Howe, suggesting that if he were to leave, clubs like Chelsea would be eager to snap him up and that he could even be considered for the England job. "He won a trophy for the club for the first time in 70 years. It should be his decision if he wants to leave," Merson said.
Former England defender Gary Neville also defended Howe, calling the season "disappointing" but urging Newcastle to maintain faith in their manager. Neville highlighted the problematic summer transfer window, which saw the arrivals of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa fail to make an immediate impact. Nevertheless, he argued that the club should back Howe fully, shape the squad for next season and aim to return to Champions League contention. Keith Downie of Sky Sports News reported that the majority owners appear supportive of Newcastle's plight and understand the reasons behind the season's under‑performance.
Downie noted that while Howe faced "more difficult questions" due to the club's league position, the overall tone of the meeting was supportive and forward‑looking. He also reminded that the manager's future remains uncertain and will depend on results in the remaining fixtures. Looking ahead, Newcastle have four games left in the Premier League campaign, having lost five in a row.
Howe reiterated the urgency: "I'm under no illusion, we need to win games," he repeated. The manager is aware that while PIF's backing is strong now, continued poor results could test that support in the future.
In summary, Eddie Howe left the high‑profile meeting with renewed confidence that the Saudi Public Investment Fund remains dedicated to Newcastle's long‑term aspirations. He acknowledged the challenges of the current season, the need for infrastructural investment, and the importance of on‑field results. With key players returning from suspension and injury, and with the backing of both owners and pundits, Howe aims to guide the Magpies back toward the top of English football, even as the next few weeks will be decisive for his own tenure and the club's immediate fortunes.