How rich are Newcastle’s new owners compared to Liverpool after takeover - and does it even matter?

There's usually plenty of indifference during the mid-season international break.

Apathy for England World Cup qualifiers often reigns. Games against the likes of Andorra just don't get the juices flowing for so many.

Pointless fixtures cause a hiatus in to Premier League season that's barely got going. It’s frustrating stuff.

However, the top flight has still been making all of the main headlines and keeping the masses entertained for one reason - Newcastle's takeover.

The now petrodollar-powered Geordies have had some sort of impact on every Premier League club.

Winless and second-bottom of the table, fellow early strugglers such as Norwich, Southampton and Burnley now know there will be one fewer side in the relegation battle come May.

And teams at the top of the table are also preparing to be challenged in the coming seasons. The so-called “Big Six” are about to have another contender join the party.

The Magpies are expected to start flexing their financial muscle as soon as possible. It's been reported that £190 million will be made available in the January transfer window.

That war chest will go to whoever replaces Steve Bruce as manager in the Toon. Widespread reports suggest the already under-fire Toon boss is set be given his marching orders the coming days.

How much are Newcastle's owners worth compared to Liverpool?

It's been well-documented Newcastle are now the wealthiest club in world football.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) own 80 per cent of the St James' Park outfit.

The sovereign wealth fund of the country is worth a staggering £320 billion, while the Reuben brothers - who own 10 per cent - having fortunes of £21.5 billion

The Reubens' money alone almost eclipses Sheikh Mansour, owner of Manchester City, estimated to be valued at £23.2 billion by goal.com.

With the Saudi money, City are now dwarfed.

Liverpool are also significantly exceeded financially. Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry’s supposed fortune is approximated to be circa £2.4 billion.

Does it even matter?

In terms of financial stature, the Reds won't be able to compete.

However, it's not like that's mattered in recent seasons.

Granted, Newcastle are another club that'll harbour genuine hopes of bursting into the top four in the next couple of years.

If they bringing some of the best players in the world, another Champions League challenger will inevitably emerge.

But Liverpool have had to compete with clubs who are richer throughout FSG's tenure.

The Reds have never gone out and splashed the cash. Self-sustainability has been the mantra since their 2010 takeover.

When Virgil van Dijk and Alisson were purchased for big-money fees, they were funded by the sale of Philippe Coutinho.

Net spend

Based on net spend from transfer fees alone - that's discounting revenue earned from things such as TV rights, shirt sales, ticket sales and prize money - Klopp's outfit’s is -£156.7 million, as per Transfermrkt, since the summer of 2017. Not a modest figure at all.

However, it places them 11th when it comes to net spending in the Premier League.

The Reds' chief title rivals Manchester City have recorded losses of -£472.06 million.

Manchester United have been even worse with a net spend of -£480.03 million. They've scarcely got much to show for it.

Some Kopites wouldn't even call Arsenal rivals anymore given their rapid decline. That's despite a net spend of -£336.78 million.

Meanwhile, Chelsea (-£238.71 million), Tottenham (-£206.78 million) and Merseyside rivals Everton (-£213.85 million) also have a worse net spend despite wealthier owners.

During the same period, there's seldom been a player who Liverpool have bought in their peak years.

Perhaps with the exception of Thiago Alcantara, the Reds have gone out and purchased individuals they know haven't hit their apogee.

It means either Klopp's troops reap the dividend of their peak years or they'll be sold on for a substantial profit.

Dining with the elite

In a nutshell, Liverpool have established themselves among the European elite under their current, prudent business model.

On the continent, owners of clubs like Red Bull Leipzig, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are said to be richer than FSG.

However, Liverpool have won the Champions League and reached another final since 2018.

A world-class manager and shrewd recruitment have been key.

Salah and van Dijk get most of the plaudits but the likes of Joel Matip (free), James Milner (free) Joe Gomez (£3.5 million) and Andy Robertson (£8 million) have played prominent roles.

Anfield boasts arguably the most astute sporting director on the planet in Michael Edwards. He’s made Liverpool sizeable profits on the likes of Dominic Solanke, Jordan Ibe and, of course, the £142 million sale of Coutinho to Barcelona.

Edwards’ recruitment department is a well-oiled machine, with his highly-rated assistant, Julian Ward, expected to step up when the cult figure does depart.

Let's not forget a thriving academy has churned out arguably the best right-back in the world, Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Caoimhin Kelleher have come through the ranks.

Youngsters like Kaide Gordon, Conor Bradley and Tyler Morton are also banging on the door.

What’s more, the Reds have the benefit of being a global force with fans around the world.

Granted, there might be the odd time in the future when Newcastle blow Liverpool out of the water for a player both teams covet. Some will always follow the wheelbarrows of cash.

But the pulling power of Klopp and the grandeur of Anfield should never go underestimated.