PIF chief tells Newcastle to sign Brazilian “monster” amid conversation with agent

Turning their attention towards South America, one of the PIF bosses is said to personally want to sign a rising Brazilian star for Newcastle United in 2026.
Ross Wilson is closing in on his first signing for Newcastle
It has been a busy international break at St James’ Park, as PIF welcomed new sporting director, Ross Wilson, from Nottingham Forest.
The 41-year-old arrives hoping to add some much-needed stability to Newcastle’s transfer department and has already been welcomed with open arms by manager Eddie Howe.
“I’ve known Ross for a number of years, he’s been around the game for a long time and done a good job,” Howe told reporters.
“Working with him now, it will be interesting to see how our relationship develops. He seems like a positive person, a good person. I support Ross’ appointment, and I hope we can work well together and be successful. I think Ross will be a great addition.”
It didn’t take long for Wilson to make his mark, either.
According to reports, he is already closing in on his first signing for the club in the form of Barnsley youngster Josh Kenchington. The England Under-15s star is said to be set to arrive after the Magpies agreed a deal to secure his signature before 2026.
Compared to John Stones, who also started his career at Barnsley, Kenchington could turn out to be a major coup for Newcastle if he realizes his impressive potential in the coming years.
However, he is not the only young player Newcastle have set their sights on.
Those in St James are also said to be targeting major South American talent who are creating a serious buzz across the Atlantic.
The head of the Public investment Fund personally wants to sign Ryan to Newcastle
According to reports in Brazil, as quoted by Sport Witness, PIF and Newcastle boss Yasser Al Rumayyan now personally wants to sign Ryan from Vasco da Gama in 2026 – telling an agent he sees huge potential in the winger.
Al-Rumayyan has apparently “expressed his desire” for Newcastle to strike a deal behind the scenes, and it is clear to see why.
The 19-year-old winger has really shone in Brazil.
With a cheap release clause of €40m (£35m), Newcastle should be in a strong position to afford the talented winger if he beats out any competition from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.
Ryan recently became the youngest Vasco player to reach 10 goals in the Brazilian top flight since Dynamite in 1973, breaking a 52-year-old record, and has been in top form throughout the 2025 season with 15 goals in all competitions – including eight in his last 13 league matches.
Furthermore, even with that release clause, Vasco values Ryan at just €30m (£26m), giving Newcastle another boost if they push for his arrival.
Ryan, described by South American expert Nathan Goes as a “monster”, is undoubtedly one to watch.
A number of South American talents have taken the Premier League by storm in recent years, and he could now be next in line.
It would be some statement from Wilson if he could pull off such a coup so early in his tenure at Newcastle.
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2025-10-18 20:10:00