Pundit Frank McAvennie is delighted with Newcastle United’s approach to signings since the takeover from PIF in October 2021.
What’s the word?
The former West Ham striker waxed lyrical over the Toon’s decision to bring in players who are “right for the dressing room”, despite the vast financial resources available on Tyneside.
However, the 62-year-old did warn that bargains could be harder to come by for Newcastle “because of who they are” and “how much money they have got”.
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said: “I do not think the money is a problem. Whoever Newcastle buy at the moment, the price is going to go up minimum 25 per cent because of who they are and how much money they have got.
“The same thing happened with Man City, the prices went up every time they approached someone.
“Newcastle are not just bringing in the big guns because they can. I heard that they want to bring in players that are hungry and that are right for the dressing room. That is so refreshing to hear.“
As reputation grows…
Indeed, as Newcastle’s reputation continues on its upwards trajectory throughout the global footballing landscape, clubs may well be looking for a few extra million pounds from Newcastle, knowing that PIF have seemingly unlimited funds at their disposal.
Whilst that may be the case in the Toon’s initial charge towards the upper echelons of the Premier League, it does not always need to end in that narrative.
Take Manchester City for example. In recent months, Brighton were asking for a fee to the tune of £50m for what was, at the time, their star asset in Marc Cucurella.
City refused to pay above £40m for his services, with their resolve so firm that they ended up withdrawing their offer and instead signed Anderlecht’s promising Spanish full-back Sergio Gomez for a humble fee of £11m.
The 22-year-old has one assist from 10 appearances so far, whilst Cucurella has struggled for form in a Chelsea side where he has constantly been rotated.
Ultimately, Newcastle will need to continue to call the shots and have other astute options in mind to avoid paying over the odds in their transfer endeavours.
