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Howe claims Newcastle hampered by PSR rules in January transfer window
Eddie Howe claims Newcastle’s ability to spend in January is being hampered by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
The Tyneside club have been hit by another raft of injuries, particularly in defence, with the likes of Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento, Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles all sidelined.
Howe has spent north of £600million following the hugely controversial takeover by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund in 2021 and his team currently sit sixth in the Premier League table.
Around £240 was spent last summer on the likes of Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga, although they did recoup £120m from the sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool – but Howe would still like to be active in the window.
He said: “Regarding transfers, everybody is fully supportive. I think the problem for us is PSR.
“I don’t think there is any issue with anyone saying we can’t do this and we can’t do that. It’s more about what we can do, not what we can’t do.
“The key thing for us to consider is business now versus business in the summer. It’s value for money now, value for money in the summer, and signing the right player. If you sign the wrong player, you are carrying that for a three, four or five year contract.
“Are the right players available in January? There is a lot to discuss and a lot to consider for our short-term needs against long-term decisions for the football club.”
Livramento started against Bournemouth in the FA Cup at the weekend but limped off after suffering a hamstring injury.
It is unlikely the England full-back will be fit to face Manchester City in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final tomorrow night.
“No major update,” said Howe. “He will be having a scan today to understand the extend of the damage on his hamstring.”
Howe impressed by Barnes
Howe will hope for another strong performance from winger Harvey Barnes, who has scored four goals in the last two games.
“Harvey is in great form. He is red hot in front of goal. Goals he has been scoring is different types as well, so it’s good to see,” Howe added.
“Really pleased with the contribution from Anthony [Gordon], too. It was his cross for Harvey’s header and his pass for Sandro Tonali to win the penalty.
“It’s good to see the wingers producing productivity. It maybe was something that we missed early season. With Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga hopefully not far away, our firepower in the wide areas is getting to full strength.”
