Finance expert: Newcastle could sign two ‘superstars’ in January amid ‘£100m’ claim
Newcastle United could potentially sign two “superstars” in January to avoid a “£60million” hit from relegation and secure a “net gain” of £100m.
So says finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ ambitions in the upcoming mid-season window.
Chronicle Live reported yesterday (13 December) that manager Eddie Howe held a scouting summit at the end of November to discuss plans for January.
But the new-money north-east giants’ recruitment objectives could be harder to realise given that they are yet to appoint a director of football.
Plumley claims that relegation strugglers Newcastle will conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine the transfer budget for January.
“They may want to make a statement of the power they have got,” the Sheffield Hallam University expert told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“But that will be determined by their league position. First of all, they need to retain their status.
“So they might make a couple of signings in January that tick that statement box but that will be linked to the on-pitch performance.
“If you fast-forward to the summer, it will be linked to what league they are in. It doesn’t take an expert to work that out.
“Relegation means you can wipe £60m off the revenue for next year due to the drop in TV money, even with parachute payments factored in.
“So they have to consider what to spend in January to make sure they don’t have the £60m hit.
“They could spent £20m on one or two superstars and that might be a good investment if they keep you up.
“The net gain on that investment could be £100m next year. Those are the margins you’re playing with.“
Newcastle are three points from safety going into game week 17.
They face Liverpool, Man United and Man city in their next three matches.
In other news, ex-Premier League official demands rule change to “punish” James Maddison after latest Newcastle United footage analysed.