Turning their attention towards South America, one PIF chief reportedly personally wants to sign a Brazilian rising star for Newcastle United in 2026.
Ross Wilson closing in on first Newcastle signing
It was 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 have known Ross for several years; he has been around the game for a long time and done well,” Howe told reporters.
“Working with him now, be interesting to see how our relationship develops. He seems a positive person, a good person. I back Ross’ appointment, and I hope we can work together well and have success. I think Ross will be a great addition.”
Wilson hasn’t taken long to make his mark, either.
According to reports, he’s already closing in on his first signing for the club in the form of Barnsley youngster Josh Kenchington. The England Under-15s star is reportedly set to arrive after the Magpies agreed a deal to secure his signature ahead of 2026.
Compared to John Stones, who also started out at Barnsley, Kenchington could turn into a major coup for Newcastle if he realises his impressive potential in years to come.
That said, he’s not the only young player that Newcastle have set their sights on.
Those at St James’ are also reportedly targeting a major South American talent who’s making serious noise across the Atlantic.
PIF chief personally wants to sign Rayan for Newcastle
According to reports in Brazil, as relayed by Sport Witness, PIF and Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan now personally wants to sign Rayan from Vasco da Gama in 2026 — telling an agent that he sees massive potential in the winger.
Al-Rumayyan has apparently “expressed his wish” for Newcastle to do a deal behind-the-scenes, and it is clear to see why.
The 19-year-old winger has really impressed in Brazil.
With a release clause as cheap as €40m (£35m), Newcastle should be in a strong position to afford the talented winger if they fend off any competition from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.
Rayan recently became the youngest player in Vasco history to reach 10 Brazilian top flight goals since Dinamite in 1973, breaking a 52-year record, and he’s been in top form throughout the 2025 season with 15 strikes in all competitions — including eight in his last 13 league games.
What’s more, even with that release clause, Vasco value Rayan at just €30m (£26m), which hands Newcastle yet another boost if they push for his arrival.
Described as a “monster” by South American expert Nathan Joyes, Rayan 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 managed to pull off such a transfer coup so early into his Newcastle tenure.
