Newcastle United’s priority during their visit to Saudi Arabia is to secure as many “huge” sponsorship deals as they can.
That is according to Spurs expert John Wenham, who regularly breaks news about the club on his Lilywhite Rose social media channels.
Newcastle are currently in Saudi Arabia for a mid-season training camp as they prepare for the second half of the 2022-23 campaign.
As part of their preparations, Eddie Howe’s side, minus the five players who are in Qatar, played a friendly against Al-Hilal and won 5-0.
The Magpies wore their controversial green and white third kit during the game, a kit that bears a striking resemblance to the Saudi Arabia national team’s home shirt.
Football Insider revealed on 22 November that Newcastle had plans to roll out an Arabic-language social media handle with a view to capitalising on growing interest in the region.
They announced the launch of @NUFC_AR, a Twitter account for the club’s followers in the Arab world, last Sunday (4 December).
Wenham claims the use of the third kit could help the club attract sponsors while in The Gulf.
“It makes sense from a business point of view, I’m sure it is a business decision,” Wenham told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“They are trying to appeal to new fans by wearing colours they are familiar with and identify with. There is a hotbed of fans out there.
“We know the kit is controversial but we also know why the club had it for this season.
“We know they are trying to secure various sponsorships at the moment, huge naming rights, huge shirt sponsor, maybe something for the training ground.
“Going to Saudi Arabia on a Saudi Arabian plane wearing Saudi Arabian colours can only endear the club to anyone over there who is looking to invest.
“It makes sense from a business point of view and that will be the main thing for the club at the moment even though a training camp will ultimately benefit the squad.”
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