When Yasir Al-Rumayyan becomes chairman at St James' Park following the proposed £300million takeover of Newcastle United, the battle to become one of Europe's leading clubs will have truly started.
A mention of Al-Rumayyan's name might raise some puzzled looks among the Gallowgate faithful, but they should understand that this is a man who holds the keys to almost unimaginable levels of wealth.
Having been headhunted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to run Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which is currently worth around $330billion (£270bn), he is one of the most influential men in that country outside of the royal family.