Exclusive: Newcastle in ‘tricky spot’ after deal to sign Anthony Elanga – expert
Newcastle’s summer window got off to an auspicious start and there could be more issues just as the Magpies finally look to be turning things around.
That is the view of football finance expert Dan Plumley, who told Football Insider exclusively that despite avoiding a sanction from the Premier League because of their financial rules, the North Eastern club are still in a “tight” position.
Eddie Howe’s side entered the transfer window ready to put their Champions League money to use after qualifying for Europe’s premier competition on the final day of the season.
However, despite holding significant interest in several high-profile players, including Joao Pedro, Marc Guehi, and Bryan Mbeumo, the Magpies have routinely missed out on their first-choice targets.
This has been a source of frustration for many, given that the club have not signed a player for their starting XI in the previous three transfer windows.
But Newcastle have now agreed a deal with Nottingham Forest for Elanga, and Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider exclusively that Howe’s side are readying a bid for close to £40million for James Trafford.
Newcastle still in a difficult place financially
Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, finance expert Plumley warned that whilst Newcastle have finally got their business underway this summer, they were still in a “tricky spot” as they needed to improve their depth with Champions League football inbound.
The senior lecturer from Sheffield Hallam University cited The Athletic‘s breakdown of every Premier League club’s position with profit and sustainability rules (PSR), highlighting that whilst the Magpies are safe for now, they have less wiggle room than they may need to overhaul their squad.
Plumley said: “They’re in a tricky spot because they need to recruit into that squad, especially with Champions League football back on the agenda.
“But they are one of those amber flag clubs that we’ve talked about a lot, particularly with the Premier League’s PSR and now with UEFA as well.
“So it’s not an easy prediction on what they can spend, but if you look at some of the numbers run by The Athletic around how safe clubs were a couple of months ago, from a 24/25 PSR breach. Newcastle’s figure was in and around £80m safe.
“Now that’s not an accurate prediction of what they can spend. It’s not the same number.
“But what it does show us is they’re still a little bit at risk, but there is a little bit of flex and then you look at the Elanga deal, as you say, and how much of that’s been paid up front and what the kind of implications are for that going into the books needs to be considered.
“So it does become quite tight then when you look at that equation.
“I would still put them on that amber list of clubs that just need to be a little bit careful with it, but I appreciate it is a really difficult balance as you’re trying to invest in a squad that can compete again next season and go into the Champions League.
“It will be interesting whether or not they spend that kind of money again this summer, and if they are looking to, I think you’re talking about, right, maybe a couple of those fringe players potentially need to be moved on to offset some of that as well.”
Newcastle interested in Connor Gallagher
Despite being in a tight spot when it comes to signings this summer, the Magpies will still do all they can to boost the talent available to Howe.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle are looking at Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher.
The Magpies struggled mightily near the back end of the season when Joelinton suffered an injury and desperately need midfield depth.
However, they will face competition from Tottenham, who are also interested in signing Gallagher after a failed bid to bring the 25-year-old to North London last season.