Kieran Maguire reveals why he ‘admires’ Newcastle United as he swipes at Man City
The wage bill at Newcastle United is not a ‘critical issue’ despite it rising to £187million in the 2022/23 season.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about the sustainability of Newcastle’s wages.
The Tyneside club published their 2022/23 accounts this month, revealing an overall revenue of £250million and a post-tax loss of £73million.
The accounts also stated that Newcastle’s wage bill has increased to £187million, a 10 percent increase from the 2021/22 season.
Newcastle’s Champions League qualification is likely to have triggered bonuses in the contracts of players, while the club has also continued to invest in their first-team squad during transfer windows.
Maguire believes there is no issue with Newcastle’s wage bill as it still compares favourably to clubs in the ‘Big Six’.
“There will be a lot of focus on Newcastle’s wage bill of £187million, but it’s only £5million more than that of Leicester City in 2022,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“It’s only £25million more than Everton in 2022 when they actually cut back.
“Newcastle did have the benefit of a Champions League finish last season which would have increased the bonuses being paid out.
“So I think the control over wages, and what Newcastle have done, is something to be admired.
“It’s less than half that of Manchester City’s £423million bill.
“It’s only just over half of Man United’s wage bill and they didn’t compete in the Champions League last season.
“So Newcastle appear to have wages under control and therefore Champions League qualification is not essential.
“It’s not a critical issue.“
In other news, Newcastle United told £50m+ January bid could be accepted