Newcastle United are eager to avoid becoming like Everton and Nottingham Forest as they aim to navigate their way through tricky Financial Fair Play regulations, claims Craig Hope, who believes there is a feeling of ‘paranoia’ over spending at St James Park.
The Magpies are yet to make a signing in the January transfer window despite having a huge injury crisis this season and plenty of areas to strengthen after a taxing season that saw them battling across four competitions – including the Champions League.
But despite being technically the richest club in the world thanks to their Saudi backing under Public Investment Fund, Newcastle have been ‘hamstrung’ by FFP regulations as they bid to stay clear of Premier League sanctions.
Everton and Nottingham Forest have both been charged with breaching spending rules – with the Toffees receiving a ten-point penalty before being charged yet again this month.
Newcastle have been linked with the likes of Kalvin Phillips this month, but saw the Man City star move on loan to West Ham instead, while a number of their top players have been linked with moves away.
Newcastle are eager to avoid becoming ‘like Everton and Forest’, according to Craig Hope
Everton have been given a ten-point penalty after breaching the Premier League’s spending regulations
Mail Sport’s Newcastle expert Craig Hope joined Ian Ladyman on Tuesday’s It’s All Kicking Off – Transfer Week podcast and was asked why Eddie Howe’s side have struggled so much to balance their books while keeping within FFP requirements.
‘You can have all the money in the world – and in theory Newcastle do given their owners – it’s the ability to spend it that makes the difference,’ Hope said.
‘With FFP restrictions, Newcastle are right at their limit. Why? They front loaded the allowance they inherited from Mike Ashley. The one beauty of taking over a club from Mike Ashley is, in an FFP world, you have plenty to spend. Newcastle did that – they’ve spent £400m so far without anything coming in.
‘They’ve got to January and there’s no wiggle room whatsoever. It’s had to be one out and one coming in. The ambition is there but they’ve been totally hamstrung by FFP regulations.’
Hope said there was ‘paranoia’ at Newcastle amid fears they could follow Everton and Forest in being charged by the Premier League if they were not careful, especially given the ‘perception’ they have as a club…