Newcastle United's activity during the winter transfer window in January was limited despite its desire to sign a midfielder. The need to sell in order to buy, under stricter financial rules, and the fear of potential point deductions constrained most clubs' activity. Top clubs in England spent £815 million ($1.03 billion) on player transfers during January last year, nearly double their spending during the same month in 2022, while clubs spent just over £50 million as of the eve of the final day of the transfer window this year.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe recently stated, "All clubs are doing what we are doing. The same thing may happen in the summer (transfer window), as football clubs are dealing differently with transfer deals." The situation has changed due to the restrictions imposed by the Premier League through profitability and sustainability rules.
The profitability and sustainability rules were introduced in 2013 to ensure fairness and prevent clubs owned by wealthy groups, like Newcastle, from spending huge amounts on players. These rules require clubs not to exceed losses of £105 million over three years.
Newcastle, which has suffered from injuries this season, could have attracted a range of talents before the transfer window closed at 2300 GMT today, while the team currently sits seventh in the league, having finished last season in fourth place. The wealth of Newcastle's owners, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, has placed the club among the richest football clubs in the world. Since its ownership change in 2021, it has spent significantly, approaching the limits allowed under the profitability and sustainability rules.
Howe stated, "We do not wish to violate financial fair play rules. Therefore, I will support decisions made in the long-term interest of the club. It is a complicated situation, and all possibilities are on the table.”
Although Newcastle benefited financially from playing in the Champions League group stage this season, before exiting the tournament, it is unlikely to participate in the premier European competition next season. Finance expert Dan Plumley from Sheffield Hallam University told Reuters that Newcastle may need to offload players before it can strengthen its squad. He added, "It's possible Newcastle will seek to sell two players to fund other actions, whether this happens in the summer or as part of a longer-term plan to invest in the team, which is something we have seen after the new owners took over the club."
Saudi club Al-Shabab has been linked with a move for midfielder Miguel Almirón from Newcastle, but reports indicated that Al-Shabab was unable to meet the asking price of £30 million ($38.01 million) for the player.
