‘Convoluted deal’: Journalist says ‘amazing’ player could actually join Newcastle on loan

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Speaking on the Talking Transfers Podcast, Graeme Bailey has been discussing Hugo Ekitike and his upcoming move to Newcastle.

The French striker has reportedly agreed terms with the Magpies, and according to Bailey, the deal is pretty much done.

However, as ever, these things aren’t quite as straightforward as they perhaps should be.

Indeed, according to Bailey, the Premier League have a real eye on Newcastle’s FFP situation, and with the Magpies under such scrutiny, the club may actually sign the ‘amazing’ striker on an initial loan so they can circumnavigate any potential FFP consequences, for this year at least.

What’s been said?

Bailey spoke about the Ekitike deal.

“This deal is done, it has been agreed, but it’s a convoluted deal, I’ve done a piece today and within that we say that it will be Financial Fair Play friendly, which is a phrase we’ll have to get used to hearing because the Premier League are keeping an extra eye on Newcastle, rightly or wrongly, so Newcastle are aware of that. This deal might even be an initial loan, but it would be a mandatory buy, so he will be a Newcastle player,” Bailey said.

Got to be smart

If the Premier League are going to be watching Newcastle’s spending closely then the Magpies will have to be smart with their business.

Staggered payments, loans to buy, add-ons, appearance bonuses and sponsorship deals are all ways to favourably alter your FFP status without breaking the rules, and Newcastle need to make use of all of these tactics.

United won’t be able to buy their way to the top straight away, but if they’re clever, it shouldn’t take them long to start signing big-name players and challenging for major honours.