Newcastle ‘obsession’ prevents tangible transfer progress after Pedro to Chelsea
Newcastle are struggling to get their transfer window off the ground this summer thanks to an extreme focus on one factor.
The Magpies qualified for the Champions League last term in rather fortuitous circumstances after a refereeing performance for the ages from Thomas Bramall in Aston Villa’s 2-0 loss to Man United.
And despite interest in several key players, with Liverpool keen on Alexander Isak for example, Eddie Howe’s squad has remained intact throughout the early stages of the summer transfer window.
With their place in Europe’s premier club competition secured, the Magpies looked poised to have their pick of some of the Premier League’s top up-and-coming talent, and with a relatively small squad available to the former Bournemouth manager, it is much needed.
But there have been few signs of improvements or upgrades. Antonio Cordero has joined on a free transfer from Malaga, but the Spaniard is likely to leave again on loan to garner some first-team experience.
And the lack of additions to Eddie Howe’s squad can be explained due to an “obsession” with getting value in the transfer market, according to The i.
Newcastle miss out on ‘priority target’ Joao Pedro
According to the report, Joao Pedro was the priority target for Newcastle before the Brazilian ultimately chose to join Chelsea.
The reason there has been no “tangible progress” is likely down to the “club’s obsession with getting value”.
Pedro signed a seven-year contract with Chelsea on wages that “eclipsed” what Newcastle were likely able to offer, while the Brazilian preferred a London move and the Magpies don’t want players who aren’t convinced about joining them.
And with revenue yet to catch up with their on-field achievements, this sort of issue will remain a problem in the short-term.
However, there is the feeling now that, following the 30 June accounting deadline, the market may become a “bit more realistic” as “inflated” asking prices, such as the £60m-plus price-point for the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo have been prohibitive to Newcastle’s transfer business.
Newcastle’s ‘obsession’ may hurt club in the long-term
Football Insider Verdict
It’s understandable why a club like Newcastle will be keen to be cautious with their spending in the transfer market.
Despite being one of the richest clubs in world football, the Magpies have not yet earned enough revenue to unlock the ability to spend at will.
This was on show last summer, when Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson were sold by Newcastle as the club strayed dangerously close to a PSR-related sanction from the Premier League.
However, if the North Eastern side doesn’t push the boat out soon, they may be shooting themselves in the foot long term.
Goal difference was the only thing separating Newcastle from Villa last season, whilst United are making signings that look like they could put the 20-time champions of England back in the running for Europe next season.
The Magpies need Champions League football to keep growing their revenue, and therefore to keep spending, and missing out on a place in the competition next year could be a disastrous setback the club quite simply cannot afford.