Newcastle Untied are one of multiple Premier League clubs that are being hamstrung by profit and sustainability rules.
The Magpies are enduring an infuriating January transfer window, with Eddie Howe so far unable to strengthen his squad. The only hint of a signing is Alfie Harrison, an 18-year-old midfielder who is due to arrive from Man City.
But he is a signing for the academy. When it comes to the senior side, Newcastle are trying to operate with their hands tied behind their backs.
They are in a position where they need to sell before they can buy, which has led to rumours about multiple players departing. Callum Wilson has been offered out and is a target for West Ham, while there were rumours that Miguel Almiron could be on his way to Saudi Arabia.
On top of that, there are fears that a major name like Bruno Guimaraes may have to go in the summer. He would command a fee of £100million due to his release clause, and that would then allow the Magpies to spend major money in the transfer market.
But it feels wrong that you should be forced to sell your biggest assets, and Toon legend Alan Shearer believes that the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules will changed very soon.
Alan Shearer thinks Premier League rules should be changed
Alan Shearer has been speaking about PSR on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast.
“That is the situation Newcastle are in [having to sell to buy] and perhaps others are in who want to go to the next level,” he said.
“We have already said before that the rules basically stop you doing that, they stop you challenging the elite.
“The finances and the numbers I’m sure will be changed in the summer because to me they are outdated and in some occasions not really right.”
PSR is stopping Newcastle from consistently challenging the elite
There needs to be a change. The rules state that clubs are allowed to make a loss of £105million over a three year cycle, but that figure has not changed since the rules were introduced. But since then, players have become much more expensive.
It is now much more difficult to get value for money, while clubs up and down the division are unable to strengthen their squad. Meanwhile, the elite clubs with massive revenue streams and lots of money coming in are hindered far less.
Now PSR does serve a purpose. If it did not exist, the money being spent would be ridiculous and unsustainable. But it is currently not fit for purpose, and only acts as a way to keep the top clubs at the top.
Shearer expects a change, but it won’t come in the next few days when Newcastle are looking to make some new signings before the January transfer window closes.
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