Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (also known as MBS) attends a graduation ceremony for Saudi airforce officers at King Faisal Airbase in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Mohammed bin Salman has been eyeing up Newcastle United for years. Now he has finally landed a deal and will be taking over in Tyne-side for a price of £300million.

Mohammed bin Salman is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, a Saudi Arabian politician and the co-owner of Newcastle United.

He was born into Saudi Arabian royalty. His father Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was crowned King of Saudi Arabia in 2015 making bin Salman second in line.

He has worked as his father's aid and for the Saudi Cabinet. He has had many roles which include secretary-general, special advisor to the chairman, as well as his current position deputy prime minister.

He also currently occupies the roles of Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs, Chairman of the Council of Political and Security Affairs and Minister of Defense.

He has introduced many regimes and successful reforms for equality within Saudi Arabia. These include the removal of the ban on female drivers, the first Saudi public concerts by a female singer, the first Saudi sports stadium to admit women and an increased presence of women in the workforce.

However, rather than looking at his political career, Planet Sport looks at his sporting interests, in particular, his involvement with Newcastle United.

Failed takeover attempt

Back in April 2020, Newcastle was on the verge of being to sold to a Saudi-Arabia backed bid.

An original £300million bid was initially reported to have been accepted by owner Mike Ashley.

The bid from the Saudi Arabian-led consortium included investment from the sovereign wealth fund PIF, PCP Capital Partners and the Reuben Brothers.

However, the Premier League blocked the takeover due to concerns that the Saudi state would be running the club.

The Crown Prince reportedly contacted the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to intervene and get the block overturned. Though the reports of UK government involvment in the deal were dismissed.

After back and forth discussions with the Premier League, the Saudi backed bid fell through, with the investors withdrawing from the deal, blaming the Premier League for their unforeseeably prolonged process.

Eventual takeover of Newcastle United

After 18-months since their first bid for the club, Mike Ashley's 14-year reign was brought to an end after a new £300million bid from a Saudi consortium was accepted.

This time it has been made clear that the Saudi state would not be running or owning the club, and the PIF led consortium would be in control.

🚨 BREAKING: The Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United could be completed as soon as today@SkySports_Keith has all the latest from St James' Park 👇 pic.twitter.com/3IrPVHMZyE
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 7, 2021

Personal life

Mohammed bin Salman is the eight child and seventh son to his father Salman bin Abdulaziz. His mother, Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain, was his father's third spouse.

Bin Salman has a bachelor's degree in law from the King Saud University. After college he enrolled as his father's aid before progressing through politics.

He is married to his first cousin Sara bint Mashour who he has five children with, all named after grandparents and great-grandparents.

In 2015 he bought the Chateau Louis XIV in France for over $300 million, labelled as the world's most expensive home.

The prince grew up playing video games, and in 2020 invested into video game companies Take-Two Interactive, Electronic Arts and Activision Blizzard.

Net worth

Mohammed bin Salman's family net worth is reported to be £13billion.