Kieran Maguire warns Newcastle there’s ‘more to come’ after £22m eye-opener in last 24 hours
Newcastle United will continue to pay over the odds in the transfer market until they are an established Champions League club.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ activity in the January window.
The new-money north-east club signed Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Dan Burn in a circa £85million splurge.
But the Daily Mail reported yesterday (4 February) that sports analysts have concluded that Newcastle paid £22m over market value for the quintet.
Eddie Howe’s side are now the richest outfit in world football following the £305m takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund last October.
And Maguire claims that PIF will have to get used to paying a premium in the transfer market.
“Man City and Chelsea both went through this,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“It’s growing pains. It’s like when I went backpacking in Thailand. There are three prices wherever you go.
“One price for locals, one price for tourists, and one price for American tourists. If you have more disposable income, the sellers are aware of that.
“It’s the same when it comes to player recruitment as far as Newcastle are concerned. There will be more to come as well.
“People are aware that they have, not a blank cheque, but a lot of zeroes at their disposal. Sellers demand prices accordingly, and that’s where we are.
“Once Newcastle are established, they’ll be fine. But players will want more money because Newcastle can’t offer them Champions League.
“Selling clubs will demand more money as they know they want to accelerate their league position. In any negotiation, look at the motives of the buyer.“
Newcastle are currently 18th in the league table.
They are next in action against Everton next Tuesday (8 February).
In other news, medical expert suggests Newcastle United have dropped “major” Jamaal Lascelles clue with latest update.