Europe’s premier club competition is set for a return to Tyneside after high-flying Newcastle United continued to make strides under boss Eddie Howe, with the Magpies finishing in the top four for the first time since 2002-23.
Under fresh ownership in the vein of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, St. James’ Park will be rocking on midweek nights against some of the biggest clubs in the world once again.
As such, Newcastle was anticipated to hit the summer transfer window with intent, as many fans expected Howe’s men to be reinforced with four or five names to offer an increased depth of quality while also moving the needle of the starting XI. But according to reports from The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, the Magpies have had to amend their summer plans to avoid possible future sanctions.
Comes with positive update on James Maddison but tough decisions will need to be made. FFP is a real problem. I expect two big signings, possibly both in midfield and then see what else can be done money wise #nufc https://t.co/8bfcJvCkEA
— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) June 12, 2023
Edwards’ update details the continued reality that Leicester City star James Maddison remains the club’s top priority in the impending window, with Newcastle aiming toward adding top creative quality to the team after the club’s troubles with breaking teams down was a leading cause to see them draw 14 of their 38 league matches.
The addition of Maddison would not only offer a huge boost to the club’s creative capabilities but another reliable source of goals as well. But unfortunately for the club, the cloud of possible sanctions due to FFP guidelines will hold the club back from a wealth of spending to prepare for the 2023-24 campaign.
Edwards’ report states that the club will only be capable of adding two new players into the senior setup at St. James’ Park, which likely will rule out possible moves for dominant Bundesliga pair Moussa Diaby and Dominik Szoboszlai due to the club reportedly only having roughly £75m to play with.
With a summer that may fall well short of expectations on the back of the new “quality over quantity” policy at the club, the acquisition of Maddison will remain vital to Newcastle’s efforts if they are to hopefully continue their progression on the pitch.
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