Kieran Maguire cites Mike Ashley as Newcastle United close in on ‘excellent’ £30m deal
A £30million sale of Miguel Almiron would be an ‘excellent’ deal for Newcastle United and their Financial Fair Play restrictions.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that Almiron’s sale would give Newcastle financial flexibility for the upcoming summer transfer window.
As revealed by Football Insider (24 January), Newcastle remain locked in £30million advanced talks with Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab for Almiron.
Newcastle’s 2022-23 accounts revealed that the club made a £73million loss after tax with club CEO Darren Eales stating the club may need to sell star players to comply with FFP.
Almiron signed a contract extension at St James’ Park in February 2023 that keeps him at the club until 2026.
Maguire explained that Mike Ashley left Newcastle in a ‘very good FFP situation’ but the club is now under pressure to raise funds.
“Almiron’s book value, which is then used to determine profit, is actually quite low,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“A £30million sale would allow Newcastle to book a substantial profit in terms of the transaction.
“He’ll be on significant wages too, so that’s going to lighten up the wage bill.
“It therefore gives the club greater financial flexibility going forward.
“It has been a very quiet transfer market in January, partly driven by so many clubs having to watch themselves in respect of Financial Fair Play.
“So this would be financially an excellent deal for Newcastle and would give them flexibility going into the summer market.
“For all the faults of Mike Ashley, he bequeathed a very good FFP situation to the new owners.
“But of course, the Ashley years are now dropping out of the three-year equations.“
In other news, Newcastle United have already agreed big-money summer signing – it will have major FFP impact
For more Newcastle United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.