Newcastle United want ‘smart’ transfers & ‘no overhaul’

Everton’s problems as a warning

The face of the Newcastle United squad will not change significantly even if the club qualify for the Champions League. This was explained by coach Eddie Howe with reference to the limited financial possibilities of the “Magpies”. As third in the table with a five-point lead over fifth place (and fewer games played), which would not be enough for the “premier class”, the chances of participating for the first time since 2002/03 are good.

Purchases and new “top players” are desired and planned, but without disturbing the balance within the currently seventh most valuable squad in the Premier League. “Renewing the squad is very difficult anyway, almost impossible with today’s player prices,” emphasized Howe (quoted via “The Athletic”). “We won’t have an unlimited budget, we have to be very smart.”

Howe explained: “Financial fair play will continue to apply and will force us to work in a certain way. We have to make smart decisions, we have to get the right players, not just any players. Most of the squad that have performed so well here deserve to be a part of our future too.” Premier League rules stipulate that clubs can incur a maximum of £105m ($119.3m) over three years. euros) may incur losses. Recently, therefore, proceedings were initiated against Everton FC.

Newcastle had invested a total of €185m in new signings in 2022/23, including €70m for former Dortmund striker Alexander Isak (23; ten goals this season). On the other hand, there is hardly any noteworthy EUR 2.3 million on the income side. Only four clubs invested more this season, only Chelsea FC and Manchester United have a larger transfer deficit to show: -544 million and -230 million euros. The people in charge of the “Magpies” are obviously aware of this.

Everton’s problems with financial regulations are affecting the mindset at Newcastle

Because the misery of the “Toffees” plays a role in Howe and Co.’s considerations: “Yes, I think so,” confirmed the coach. “It’s difficult to comment on other teams and what’s happening at other clubs, but financial fair play has been present for us since I’ve been at this football club. I think it will stay that way. It forces clubs to behave in a certain way and those are the rules so we have to abide by them.”

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Howe, 45, has been on the sidelines at Newcastle since November 2021. The club last had at least 59 points in the English top flight in 2011/12 when they finished fifth under Alan Pardew. Howe clarified with regard to the future staff: “You want a balance. Ideally, you need a mix of newcomers in each transfer window. But it won’t be a roster overhaul, we’ll try to be very selective in what we do.”

TM assessment: Newcastle are looking to develop players rather than ready-made stars

“It is obvious that Newcastle do not need a major overhaul of the squad and cannot afford it due to financial fair play. However, specific reinforcements for the top and broader squad are to be expected, especially when qualifying for the Champions League,” says Daniel Busch, Area Manager COM & UK, assessing the situation.

“It will most likely also involve two or three transfers in the magnitude of Anthony Gordon (cost 45.6 million euros in January) and Sven Botman (came for 37 million euros in the summer). And possibly a top transfer for a fee that could be as high as the 70 million for Alexander Isak. But these sums will only be paid for players who still have development potential and want to take the next step – and not for ready-made stars,” said Busch. “Names are traded like James Maddison (26, Leicester City), who has never played in the Champions League, and for example Raphinha (26, FC Barcelona) and Kieran Tierney (25, Arsenal FC), who are under contract with top clubs, but are still relatively young and could want more match practice.” / All the rumors about Newcastle arrivals.

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