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Newcastle to host Saudi Arabia friendly games in September

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Marcotti excited by Tonali's move to Newcastle (1:36)

Gab Marcotti feels Sandro Tonali will complement Newcastle's squad perfectly after his move from AC Milan. (1:36)

Saudi Arabia's men's football team will play two international friendly matches at Newcastle United's stadium in September, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

ESPN reported in June that Newcastle were in talks to hold a Saudi Arabia friendly at St James' Park during the September international break.

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Newcastle, whose majority shareholder is Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), will host the Saudi national side's games against Costa Rica on Sept. 8 and South Korea on Sept. 12 at St James' Park.

The two games form part of Saudi's preparations for the AFC Asian Cup to be held in Qatar in January 2024. Saudi Arabia won the last of their thee Asian Cup titles in 1996.