Newcastle boss Eddie Howe insists there are “exciting times ahead” despite the club’s Saudi Arabian owners withdrawing funding from other sporting projects.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), who are the majority shareholders in Newcastle, this week confirmed they would be pulling out of LIV Golf at the end of the season and placing a greater emphasis on sustainable domestic projects.

A PIF delegation has been in Northumberland this week for a routine meeting with Newcastle chiefs and Howe left reassured about the club’s future direction.

He said: “It was an opportunity to see people I hadn’t seen in a while. The owners and representatives of PIF were over. It was constructive, good meetings and they clearly care about the football club and the long-term planning that is going on at all levels. Exciting times ahead and the long-term vision is there.”

PIF still want success for Newcastle – Howe

PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 with the stated aim of making it one of the biggest clubs in the world. At the time it was part of widespread investment in sport that also included golf, boxing, Formula One and tennis.

It was seen as a way of gaining global influence while the country’s critics also claim it has been used to ‘sportswash’ their atrocious human rights record.

Howe insists PIF’s ambitions are unchanged but time is required to bring them to fruition.

He added: “The desire is unchanged, to try and get to the top of the Premier League, to try and win as many trophies consistently as possible. I don’t think while PIF are our owners, or part owners, majority owners that will change.

“They are very ambitious for the football club. A lot of things they need to do to elevate the club will take a bit of time. We are going back to the stadium, the training ground, the longer-term issues, these things don’t happen with the click of the fingers because everything of course is interlinked to income. 

“As much as everyone wants to fast forward that, sometimes these things, to get it right, take a bit of time.”

Howe pleased by PIF support

Newcastle are 14th in the Premier League having lost their last four games and Howe has come under increasing pressure given the large amounts he has spent on players since his arrival on Tyneside.

He says he didn’t seek reassurance from PIF and accepts results will need to improve between now and the end of the season.

“No change in terms of the support and the infrastructure,” he said. “I was pleased by the level of support given to me but still understanding how football works and needing results and that will never change.

“I am under no illusions I have to get results to keep that feeling, that strength and that trust and that will be regardless of whatever moment we’re in. I am well aware there is a responsibility that comes with the job.”

Newcastle winger Gordon could return for Brighton clash

Newcastle host Brighton tomorrow and it remains to be seen if Anthony Gordon will be available.

The England international has missed the last two games and is expected to move on in the summer with the club having to balance the books.

But he could return to face the Seagulls.

Howe said: “He did part of the session on Wednesday. Great to see him back on the pitch, a player of great quality and one we have missed. We will make an assessment today about whether he is fit to play tomorrow.”

Lewis Hall was dropped for the defeat at Arsenal last weekend but is expected to return tomorrow.