Newcastle to host Saudis for friendly

NEWCASTLE will host a Saudi national team on Tyneside later this month, strengthening links between the club and the country of their majority owners. Saudi White Falcons, consisting of players aged up to 19, will face a Newcastle academy XI as part of a series of friendlies that also includes fixtures against Saudi Green Falcons, another under-age side. It will be the first time a Saudi team have visited the UK since the takeover of the club a year ago, and it comes just a few days before Eddie Howe’s senior squad leave for a week-long stay in Riyadh. They will play Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal on December 8. Newcastle are exploring several commercial deals with Saudi partners and are looking to tap into the country’s young population. The trips to the Gulf State, the green-and-white change kit and friendlies are seen as key to forging that relationship. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s owners have invested a further £70.4million into the club to help with infrastructural and day-to-day running costs.