Newcastle should have completed ‘major’ signing, they could claim ‘enormous’ prize
Newcastle United kept their power dry in the January transfer window despite having the capacity to agree deals.
Although Newcastle have been restricted by the profit and sustainability rules (PSR) in recent campaigns, that wasn’t the case in the latest window.
Speaking on talkSPORT on 4 February, chief executive David Hopkinson revealed Newcastle could have signed players in January, but he insisted they didn’t find the right opportunity.
It is the second mid-season window in a row where Eddie Howe’s side have failed to make any new additions.
Why Newcastle made the wrong decision with January spending
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Newcastle should have agreed a “major” signing as they have a chance to progress in the Champions League.
The Magpies are set to take on Qarabag in a knock-out round play-off fixture for a place in the last 16 of the competition this month.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “The prize there is enormous. It doesn’t make any sense to not have at least quite aggressively looked for let’s say one major signing just to bolster the squad for the second half of the season because you’ve got so much to go at.
“It would be different if let’s say they finished 27th in the Champions League and were out of the play-off. Let’s say they were out of the FA Cup in the third round.
“All of these things would have played into, ‘Okay, well, we just pause, we’ll see next season. We see this season out, and we bank what we’ve got’, but that’s not been the case. They’ve got loads to go for.”
How much Newcastle could earn from Champions League success
Borson has revealed the financial rewards on offer for Newcastle if they can progress in the Champions League.
“I mean, a Champions League round of 16 win is €12.5m (£10.9m),” said Borson.
“They can win the round of 16 game easily. But why would you not make sure that you’re in the best possible shape?
“I mean, there are loads of injuries. The squad’s always too small anyway for such a heavy burden.”
After struggling for form in recent weeks, Newcastle secured a 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Tuesday (10 February), moving them up to 10th in the Premier League table.
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