Journalist now shares what he was told about Newcastle’s transfer budget

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At the start of this transfer window it was reported in the media that Newcastle United would have a budget of just £75million to build a squad to challenge in the Champions League.

It didn’t take long for Newcastle to defy that report spending £55million on Sandro Tonali and then immediately targeting Harvey Barnes who would cost another £38million taking the club beyond that £75million figure.

Of course there was the £23million sale of Allan Saint-Maximin to bring that back down, but really what that transfer did was unlock a much bigger gap for Newcastle to exploit in terms of FFP meaning the club could pursue other high profile targets this summer.

Newcastle’s transfer spending has far exceeded that reported £75million

Now it looks like it’s just a matter of time before Tino Livramento is confirmed as the latest signing in a deal worth an initial £32million, rising to £40million with add-ons. Once that’s complete that’s Newcastle’s spending up to at least £125million minus the £23million from Saint-Maximin.

Transfer journalist Dean Jones has now told GiveMeSport what he was told at the start of the transfer window and it flies directly in the face of that £75million report: “My personal information at the start of this window was that spending was more likely to be around £150million and maybe even more than that,” said Jones.

“We could well be on our way towards a figure like that if they keep targeting players at the levels they have been.

“Newcastle still want a creative player and a centre-back, so I think we should almost expect them to go and spend another £50million after this latest deal.

Newcastle have to ‘spend more to succeed more’

“It’s true they have to consider FFP rules, but they are also playing Champions League football, and if they want to stay at that level, they have to spend more to succeed more.”

Eddie Howe said in his press conference yesterday that he wants two more players after Tino Livramento and it looks like the budget is still there for him to do that.

In my humble opinion I think we should focus on bringing in that centre-back as we have plenty of creativity in the side already but so few options in defence. Obviously I wouldn’t say no to another creative player too, but one thing at a time.