Newcastle United backed to seal ‘settlement agreement’ by top source
Newcastle United have a decision to make over their transfer activity before the window closes on Monday (2 February).
Newcastle have been restricted by the profit and sustainability rules (PSR) in recent campaigns, having been forced to balance the books with the sales of young players.
Eddie Howe has suggested PSR remains an issue for Newcastle despite spending around £240million on new signings last summer.
The Magpies are yet to make any new additions this month, with the transfer deadline now just days away.
Why Newcastle are well placed to agree new signings
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Newcastle are in a “good position” following their exploits in the Champions League.
Howe’s side are set to take part in a knock-out round play-off next month after their 1-1 draw against PSG wasn’t enough to seal their automatic qualification for the round of 16.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Newcastle’s transfer plans before the deadline, Borson said: “Well, I think in some ways it’s similar to Liverpool in that they’re in quite a good position. They were unlucky not to progress in the Champions League, but they can obviously easily win the play-off and then they’ll be in the round of 16.
“They could easily have four more Champions League games. That’s clearly going to generate good revenue. It’s a big burden on the squad. Those games are coming thick and fast, and they’re going to be before the end of March.
“They’ve still got the second leg in the Carabao Cup, so they might still have a Carabao Cup final. They’ve got to do something in the league. The league is going relatively badly. I think that’s a lot to do with the squad and a slight lack of investment versus what they could do.
“It’s not so much under the Uefa rules. They’re slightly restricted because they will have failed football earnings for last season, so I think there will be some kind of settlement agreement.”
Why Newcastle are risking major ‘disappointment’ with transfer stance
Borson insisted Newcastle could be facing a “problem” if they don’t buy players before the window closes due to their injury situation.
“If you look at the league table, they’re obviously very close to where the action is in fifth,” said Borson.
“They’re only four points off Chelsea. Obviously, there’s a huge bunch of clubs there, but they’re going to be one of the teams that are most suited to finishing in that top five. They are three points off Liverpool.
“If they don’t buy between now and the deadline, I think they’re going to have a problem. They’ve got injuries. I think they would be risking a disappointing end to the season.”
Newcastle currently sit ninth in the Premier League table, but they are just a handful of points off the Champions League places after 23 games.
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