Newcastle United will take part in a warm-weather training camp in Jeddah — their first visit to the kingdom since the club was purchased by a Saudi Arabia-backed consortium.
The club announced on their website that Eddie Howe's team will be stationed in Jeddah and “return to the UK on Saturday, January 29, ahead of their next Premier League fixture against Everton on February 8".
The Magpies also revealed that the first team squad members will play a behind-closed-doors training match against Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad on Friday, January 28.
The training camp will be the club’s first visit to Saudi Arabia since it was acquired by a consortium that includes PIF, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media last year.
The kingdoms' sovereign wealth fund PIF (Public Investment Fund), are the majority partners alongside British-based Reuben brothers and financier Amanda Staveley. The deal is said to be worth £300 million ($408 million).
Newcastle will be in buoyant mood during the trip, with the belief that Saturday's 1-0 win at Leeds United turns out to be a turning point in their fight to avoid relegation.
Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey's second-half free-kick helped Newcastle earn only their second league win this season, a result that lifted them to 18th and within one point of the safety zone.
“We showed there is resilience in the team, we are fighting for each other. They are fighting for the club. They have belief they are not dead and buried. There is more to come,” Howe said.
“I am so, so pleased for everyone connected with Newcastle that we won the game. Hopefully it can transform our season.”
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Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh135,000
Engine 1.6L turbo
Gearbox Six speed automatic with manual and sports mode
Power 165hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 240Nm @ 1,400rpm 0-100kph: 9.2 seconds
Top speed 420 kph (governed)
Fuel economy, combined 35.2L / 100km (est)
Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
'Peninsula'
Stars: Gang Dong-won, Lee Jung-hyun, Lee Ra
Director: Yeon Sang-ho
Rating: 2/5
MATCH INFO
Serie A
Juventus v Fiorentina, Saturday, 8pm (UAE)
Match is on BeIN Sports
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler
Price, base / as tested Dh57,000
Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm
Torque 116Nm @ 6,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.3L / 100km
