Stefan Borson ‘surprised’ after Newcastle make transfer decision
Newcastle United have been quiet in the January transfer window despite having plenty to play for this season.
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 talents.
Eddie Howe has suggested PSR remains an issue for Newcastle despite spending around £240million on new signings last summer.
Meanwhile, Alexander Isak joined Liverpool in a deal worth around £125m.
Newcastle are yet to strengthen their squad this month, with the window set to close on 2 February.
How Newcastle’s expected financial breach could be impacting transfer plans
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Newcastle have plenty of capacity from a PSR perspective.
However, he expects Newcastle to have breached Uefa’s financial rules, with the governing body currently assessing the accounts of clubs competing in European competitions.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about why Newcastle are yet to sign a player this month, Borson said: “I mean, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. They’ve got obviously from a PSL perspective, following the Isak sale, they’ve got plenty of capacity now.
“That said, they will have failed the football earnings for last year for Uefa’s purposes. They’re going to be in a settlement period with Uefa.
“They might not be negotiating that quite yet, but they will probably be mindful of that. But they could definitely do a bit more.”
Newcastle told to agree deals after Champions League reveal
Borson insisted Newcastle’s transfer decision is “surprising” given they could qualify automatically for the Champions League knock-out rounds.
“I’m surprised they’ve not done a bit more, especially because if they can somehow win in PSG, they are going to be really well placed,” said Borson.
“They’re going to be very high up. They’re going to have 16 points, but they’ve got the best goal difference, so they’ll finish probably fourth or fifth if they were to win in Paris.
“People might say they’re not going to win in Paris. Well, maybe not. If they draw or lose, they are in the play-offs.
“But either way, Newcastle know that they’ve got a good chance. They will have a decent game probably in the knock-out or they’ll be in the round of 16, which is all very valuable.”
Howe’s side currently sit seventh in the Champions League table heading into their clash against PSG, with the top eight qualifying automatically for the round of 16.
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