Premier League clubs have voted against a ban on associated clubs loaning players to each other during the January transfer window.
The temporary ban only narrowly missed out on being approved, with the 13 votes to approve the embargo falling just short of the two-thirds majority of 14 that would have seen it passed.
The news will be greatly appreciated by Newcastle United, who will now be able to loan players from clubs that are also under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
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One of those clubs is Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, and Newcastle have been closely linked with a move for their midfielder Ruben Neves, who was with Wolves between 2017 and 2023 before making the move to Saudi prior to this season.
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The ban was intended to be a temporary solution, introduced as a short-term fix before it could be revisited ahead of next season.
The PIF also owns other Saudi Pro League clubs, such as Al Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane play, as well as Roberto Firmino’s Al Ahli.
Eddie Howe’s side have been hit by a brutal injury crisis, as well as the suspension of midfielder Sandro Tonali because of betting offences, though this vote means they may have found a solution to their problems.
The failed ban could also benefit other Premier League sides, with Manchester City under the same ownership as LaLiga leaders Girona, while Chelsea’s owners took over Strasbourg earlier this year.
