The January transfer window is fast approaching for Newcastle United.
In an ideal world, Newcastle would be able to spend big to strengthen their bid to get back into the Champions League spots.
That, however, looks unlikely.
Though a new midfielder and a new forward are both believed to be on the agenda for January, FFP limitations are still thought to loom.
Eddie Howe has warned fans against expecting quick-fire signings, albeit that was before links with a swift loan move for Kalvin Phillips emerged.
Still, loans look about the extent of what the club can do next month. Spending big in January may have unwanted consequences for the summer window, where the club would reportedly need to shift one of Alexander Isak, Sven Botman or Bruno Guimaraes on to comply with FFP.
Now, Howe has shared the latest ahead of the January window.
Newcastle transfer news: Eddie Howe shares what PIF are yet to communicate with him
Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Liverpool on New Year’s Day, Howe confirmed he was yet to hear from PIF as to whether or not funds will be available.
“We haven’t had assurances [from the board about money available],” he said (via Fabrizio Romano).
“Financial Fair Play continues to affect our decision-making so let’s wait and see”.
“FFP is very active in our thoughts, we’re trying to navigate it and work around it.”
Newcastle transfers: Quiet January expected
The likes of Ben Jacobs have already suggested it will be a relatively quiet month for Newcastle too, so it would be a major shock to see many big players arrive.
All of this puts major pressure on the recruitment team. If it can only be loan deals the club move for next month then they need to hit the ground running.
After a summer window yet to yield much in the way of improvement other than the excellent Tino Livramento, there’s big pressure on decision-makers to get things right.
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