‘Newcastle make decision on highly sought-after Lewis Miley after PSR fears’
Newcastle have made a clear decision on in-demand Lewis Miley after fears for the young star’s future in the North East thanks to spending rules.
Since breaking through from the Magpies’ academy in February 2023, the 19-year-old has made 46 appearances for the senior team, scoring three times.
But despite Miley being highly rated, the youngster saw his minutes under England target Eddie Howe decrease last season, starting just one match compared to the 14 starts in the 2023/24 season.
Newcastle have found themselves fighting a constant battle to remain compliant with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR), since the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund’s takeover in 2021.
One route that English clubs have taken to in recent years is selling their top academy prospects, as they represent pure profit on the accounting books.
Newcastle are no strangers to this tactic, having sold Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest last summer in a deal motivated by PSR.
With the continued threat of a potential sanction, The Athletic have revealed that a decision has been made on Miley’s future at the club.
Lewis Miley set to stay at Newcastle despite PSR concerns
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson exclusively told Football Insider that he hated the fact Newcastle could be forced to sell Miley due to PSR concerns this summer.
But despite the threat of a sanction from the Premier League if they were to fail to be compliant, The Athletic has revealed that “Newcastle will definitely not sell” the talented young midfielder, despite interest from clubs across Europe.
The club are also unlikely to let Miley leave on loan, as Champions League qualification will mean the club will play more games than they did last season.
Newcastle should take a page from Real Madrid’s book
Football Insider Verdict
Even before FFP and PSR, Real Madrid were doing things a little differently to other clubs.
Given the star-studded nature of their squad, many young players who were coming through their academy, or being brought in from abroad, were struggling for first team minutes.
These included players like Dani Carvajal, Casemiro, and more recently Nico Paz.
Rather than holding onto them for the sake of it, Madrid sold off their talented youngsters, knowing that remaining with the club would hinder their development.
But, they did so in the knowledge that, should they develop into a player good enough for the first team, they could have them back thanks to a buy-back clause inserted into the deal.
Newcastle find themselves in a position where they have plenty of young talent like Miley, Garang Kuol, and William Osula needing game time, and the club needing cash.
Like the 15-time champions of Europe, the Magpies should perhaps be looking to sell their young talent, but with a buy-back clause in the deal.