Paul Merson and Jeff Stelling were left surprised by claims that Newcastle will ‘only spend £60 million’ during the summer transfer window.
The former Premier League double-winner added ‘you will be disappointed’ if you are a Newcastle fan and that’s the amount that is spent.
Leading up to the January transfer window, the limelight was on Newcastle given that they had been taken over by a Saudi-led group.
With that ridiculous amount of money being thrown into the club, it puts the Magpies in a situation where they can go money-crazy during the transfer market.
They did quite a lot of talking in the boardroom during the winter transfer window, including bringing Kieran Trippier to the club.
But when Stelling and Merson were in conversation about what could happen this summer, they were left surprised by what’s been mooted, as they told Sky Sports News (02/04/22 at 1:15 pm).
“Talking about them spending,” said Stelling. ‘The club said this week, they are only going to spend ‘£60 million in the summer’. Is that a smokescreen? Or is it to lower expectations from fans? Or players? Agents?”
Merson responded: “You will be disappointed if you are a Newcastle fan and they are only going to spend £60 million. It won’t get you anywhere.
“In this day and age, if you aren’t getting bought for £40 million, then you are a pretty average player.”
JS then added: “They are talking about three or four better players.”
PM: “Really, wow. For £60 million?! Nah.”
JS: “One of the reasons they quote is ‘to keep a grip on the financial situation’.”
This is perhaps a smokescreen from the club because everyone knows they have a stupid amount of money to spend.
As a result, clubs and agents will demand 20-30% extra than what they usually would because it’s Newcastle knocking.
Whilst they can do that for one to two deals, here and there, and they can put that money on the table for anyone.
From the perspective of financial fair play, it’s not healthy for the long-term, even if they have a free swing to spend what they want this summer.
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