One of the Premier League’s biggest clubs could look at taking over a team in Australia, part owner says

Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley has said the Premier League club is exploring options to implement a multi-club ownership model, and has even looked towards the Australian market.

Multi-club structures are gaining popularity and Newcastle could be the next to join, following the Manchester City model.

Speaking at the Bloomberg Power Players Summit in Jeddah, Staveley said the club is interested in establishing a multi-club network in the future.

“I think we are very (interested in a multi-club model),” Staveley said.

“Multi-clubs are part of football, it is a real benefit to be able to have players and train players who are not part of your team.”

‘UEFA rules are changing and that is why we have to see what emerges. Obviously, the dynamic around whether we could have a club has changed dramatically over the last year.

“I’m still a big fan of the multi-club model, many other competitors and friends in the Premier League have multi-club relationships, but you have to look at it as a whole.

‘We have analyzed Belgium, we have analyzed many European markets, we have analyzed Asia, Australia, we have analyzed Brazil, practically everything.

“We have looked at all the markets and getting players through our academy system and through that multi-club model would be very helpful in terms of allowing us to buy and have players as part of our journey earlier.”

A-League club Melbourne City is part of Manchester City’s multi-club model, while Bournemouth owner Bill Foley’s Auckland-based team has secured a license to join the competition in 2025-26.

In 2023, Staveley also spoke of his interest in the Magpies’ multi-club model, but is considering all options.

“We’re looking at everything in terms of how to grow our brand, our club,” Staveley said.

‘Opportunities to buy players at affordable prices early in the cycle are critical to our growth. We are very focused on the academy and young players. We’re bringing in some interesting kids.

“Obviously we’ve looked at a multi-club, but whenever you look at it you want to make sure you’re a good fit with the changes around GBE points at the moment.” It’s important to do that.

‘You also have to choose your territory correctly and make sure you have the right chemistry. Remember, you are working with another fan base and another area. It is essential that you establish what your objectives will be. It’s complicated.

“We are also looking for another structure that allows us to do both, maybe something that gives us more opportunities to work with many more clubs.” This is just a pretty early stage.

“I think anyone thinking about buying a club will look at that multi-club model.”