Amanda Staveley, a well-known financier from Ripon, made headlines recently after settling her debts with Newcastle United. As of 2025, Staveley is 52 years old and has an estimated net worth of around $170 million. Her financial acumen and role in the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United have been widely recognized. However, her departure from the club was bittersweet, leaving both her and many fans emotional.
Settling the Debts with Newcastle United
Newcastle United’s latest financial accounts confirmed that Amanda Staveley no longer owes the club any money. In the previous year, Staveley had borrowed £600,000 to cover legal fees related to a dispute with Greek shipping magnate Victor Restis. By June 2024, the outstanding amount had risen to £1,481,000. The loan was interest-free and fully repaid by December 2024, according to the club’s official statement.
This clears any doubts about Staveley’s financial dealings with the club. It also highlights her willingness to leave on good terms, settling all financial matters before her departure.
A Difficult Goodbye
Amanda Staveley resigned from her position at Newcastle United during the close season of 2024. Her exit was emotional, as she admitted feeling “devastated” about leaving a club she had grown to love deeply. In her own words, the club had become part of her DNA, making it incredibly painful to walk away.
Staveley’s decision was influenced by the need to let the new management team at Newcastle execute their business plans without interference. She acknowledged that it was only fair to give them space to lead the club forward. Her words reflected both her passion for Newcastle and her professionalism in stepping aside when needed.
The Takeover and Staveley’s Role
Amanda Staveley played a significant role in the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United in 2021. She was instrumental in brokering the deal between Mike Ashley, the former owner, and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), along with the Reuben brothers. The deal was valued at around £300 million and ended years of uncertainty for Newcastle fans.
Staveley initially held a 10% stake in the club through her investment firm, PCP Capital Partners. However, following her departure, her shares were redistributed between the Reuben family and PIF, giving the Saudi-backers even more control over Newcastle’s future.
Her involvement in the takeover was a turning point for the club, leading to significant investments in players and facilities. Newcastle’s improved performance in the Premier League is often credited to the changes initiated during her time at the club.
A Career Built on Big Deals
Amanda Staveley has built her career on brokering high-profile deals. Her net worth of approximately $170 million reflects her expertise in connecting wealthy investors with lucrative opportunities. Her most famous deal before Newcastle was the investment of £3.5 billion from Abu Dhabi into Barclays Bank during the financial crisis of 2008.
Known for her intelligence and negotiation skills, Staveley has managed to build strong relationships in the Middle East, especially with the ruling families of Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia. Her ability to navigate complex financial and political landscapes has made her one of the most respected figures in the investment world.
Challenges and Legal Battles
Staveley’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Her legal battle with Victor Restis, a Greek shipping magnate, was one of the reasons she needed to borrow money from Newcastle. The details of the dispute remain private, but it reportedly involved substantial legal fees.
Despite these challenges, Staveley’s ability to repay the loan promptly shows her financial strength and commitment to maintaining a clean slate. This episode also highlighted the pressure and scrutiny that come with handling large investments and managing a Premier League club.
What’s Next for Amanda Staveley?
With her departure from Newcastle United, many are curious about what Amanda Staveley will do next. Given her track record, it’s likely she will continue to be involved in major financial deals, possibly even within the football industry. Her network in the Middle East and experience in handling high-value investments make her a valuable asset in any financial negotiation.
There are also rumors that Staveley might look into acquiring stakes in other football clubs or businesses, but nothing has been confirmed yet. For now, she seems focused on taking some time away from the spotlight, though her passion for football suggests she might return to the sport in some capacity.
A Legacy at Newcastle United
Amanda Staveley’s time at Newcastle United may have ended, but her impact will be felt for years. The investments made during her tenure have already improved the club’s standing in the Premier League. Fans appreciate her role in freeing the club from Mike Ashley’s controversial ownership and setting it on a path to compete with the league’s top teams.
Her professionalism in handling the financial aspects and her emotional farewell statement show a deep connection to the club and its fans. It’s a legacy built not just on deals and investments but also on passion and respect for the game.
