Why visit of Newcastle's Saudi owners is being talked about

Why visit of Newcastle's Saudi owners is being talked aboutImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and fellow owner Jamie ReubenByCiaran KellyNewcastle United reporterPublished3 minutes agoCommentsMatfen Hall is a little different to St James' Park.But it is here - away from prying eyes - where Newcastle United's owners and executives are convening this week to plot the club's future.The build-up to this latest summit has garnered plenty of attention, but senior figures have repeatedly stressed the annual get-together is not out of the norm.Previous high-level meetings took place at the same stately venue in Northumberland in February 2025, and this particular gathering has been in the diary for several months.It was always looked upon as an opportunity for those at the top to meet to discuss infrastructure projects and recruitment plans.This off-site has also been regarded as a timely occasion to talk about Newcastle's slide to 14th place in the Premier League, and how they will go about bouncing back.Rather than reacting emotionally, the view internally remains that Newcastle need to respond rationally with the help of cold, thorough analysis.So what could be on the agenda?Howe welcomes 'harder' meetingHead coach Eddie Howe is among those leading figures who will give his perspective, as was always planned.Howe's future has come under increased scrutiny following a bruising run of nine defeats in 12 games in the league.He has said this year's summit will be "slightly harder", but stressed he is looking forward to a rare opportunity to address chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and minority owner Jamie Reuben in person."I'm sure there will be conversations on the team and how we have performed," he said. "I sort of welcome that to a degree."Newcastle's owners certainly need no reminding of Howe's body of work after appointing him in 2021.Ho...