Amanda Staveley to sell remaining shares and leave Newcastle United

In a significant development for Newcastle United, Amanda Staveley and her husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi, are set to sever ties with the club after nearly three years of involvement. Staveley, who played a pivotal role in brokering the controversial £300 million deal that saw Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquire an 80% majority stake in the club, will be selling their remaining minor shareholding at St James' Park. The couple's departure marks the end of an era that began in 2021 when they assumed directorial roles following the takeover. Staveley's influence extended beyond the boardroom, as she was instrumental in key transfers such as Bruno Guimarães and Kieran Trippier joining Newcastle. Despite facing personal challenges, including a bankruptcy claim, Staveley's departure signals a shift in the club's leadership structure. With the recent appointments of Darren Eales as chief executive and Paul Mitchell as sporting director, the need for Staveley's day-to-day involvement has diminished, paving the way for her exit. The ownership landscape at Newcastle has evolved, with Staveley's stake reduced to 6% while the Reuben family's shares increased to 14%. The remaining ownership will be taken on by the Reubens and PIF, marking a transition in the club's ownership structure. Staveley's departure comes at a time when Newcastle has seen on-field success, including a Champions League qualification and a record-breaking transfer signing, under her stewardship. As Staveley and Ghodoussi prepare to leave Newcastle before the start of the season, their departure signifies the end of a transformative period for the club. While their exit may raise questions about the future direction of Newcastle, the club's profitability and sustainability have been maintained through strategic player transfers and operational decisions. Newcastle United declined to comment on Staveley's departure, but a club statement is expected to confirm the news and provide further details on the transition in ownership and leadership at the club.