Revealed: 8 Premier League Clubs That Voted Against Blocking Saudi Players on Loan

Eight Premier League teams voted against a proposed rule change that would have prevented Newcastle from signing Saudi Pro League players on loan.

Clubs in the Premier League cast votes on a proposed rule amendment that would have prohibited them from recruiting players in the January transfer window from teams that are affiliate to them. The announcement was made in the midst of rumours that Saudi-owned Newcastle United is hoping to replace Sandro Tonali with Pro League Al-Hilal player Ruben Neves. Eddie Howe, the manager, has already acknowledged his admiration for the midfield player and stated that his team would oppose any attempt to prevent such trades. Al-Hilal is owned by the PIF, along with three other elite Saudi Arabian clubs: Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad.

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Newcastle was one of eight Premier League teams who voted against the ban. According to Martyn Ziegler of The Times, Burnley, Chelsea, Everton, Wolves, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City, owned by Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, all rejected the move. Despite worries that such agreements provide some teams an unfair edge, the decision allows Premier League teams to transfer players from partner clubs on loan this winter.

At the moment, Al-Hilal is leading the Saudi Pro League standings, four points ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, and leading their group in the AFC Champions League. Neves, a club record signing, would undoubtedly be difficult to let go of, especially after star player Neymar suffered a long-term knee injury.

The news is likely to be a boost to Howe and Newcastle who can start to firm up plans for the January transfer window. The loss of summer signing Tonali to a 10-month ban for betting offences has been a blow and a replacement may well be sought when the window reopens.