Kieran Maguire reveals FFP impact on Newcastle United securing monster Dan Ashworth fee
Compensation from Man United to hire Dan Ashworth will not be enough to salvage the FFP situation at Newcastle United.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that Champions League qualification is worth ‘far more’ to the club’s transfer budget than Ashworth’s compensation.
The Tyneside club announced on Monday (19 February) that Ashworth has commenced a period of gardening leave after deciding to quit the club.
He has been made a top target for a sporting director role at Man United, but the Magpies are reportedly demanding compensation of up to £20million to release Ashworth early.
As revealed by Football Insider, Man United will not pay £20million in compensation to hire Ashworth immediately.
Ashworth fee is ‘slim pickings’ for Newcastle United FFP
Maguire does not believe Ashworth’s compensation will help to increase the club’s transfer budget if Man United agree to pay.
“I think it’s slim pickings as far as Newcastle United are concerned,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“We’ve seen in the recently published annual report from the Premier League that each individual place was worth £3.1 million last season.
“That’s estimated to go up to between £3.4million and £3.8million this season.
“Also, Newcastle United did qualify for the Champions League in 2023-24 and getting into Europe is worth far more than the compensation fee they’ll get for Ashworth.
“I think it’s going to be an interesting tug-of-war as Newcastle hold the contract while Manchester United are in need of a change of philosophy.
“So there’s no reason why Newcastle can’t maximise the compensation package.
“But it’s not going to be enough to move the FFP dial in terms of being able to sign new players.“
In other news, Newcastle United banned from ‘manipulating numbers’ by new rules
For more Newcastle United news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.