The recruitment staff at Newcastle United deserve plaudits.
In just three transfer windows during the PIF era so far, they have built a squad capable of challenging in the top four.
Clearly, money helps on that front but the alchemy required to do that from such a low base is far more complicated than simply pumping in extra funds.
Which is why Newcastle need to be careful when it comes to wages.
Newcastle target Ruben Neves has big wage demands
According to The Sun, Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves has some big demands.
The Portugal international has been linked with a move to St James’ Park for a while now and will be a free agent next summer should he not sign a new deal at Molineux.
Naturally, a player of such pedigree – once described as “world class” – will be in demand, with Newcastle thought to have rival interest from the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Wolves, however, aren’t giving up just yet.
The report states they are keen to extend Neves’ contract, although the 26-year-old’s demands could prove a problem.
It is claimed the former Porto midfielder is now seeking in excess of £100k-per-week.
Newcastle must tread carefully
At some point, Newcastle are going to have to break their wage structure if they are to continue competing with the game’s leading sides.
Currently, their top earner is thought to be Kieran Trippier on around £100k-per-week.
Still, to completely break that to bring a new player in this summer might have a negative impact on the dressing room. The team ethos has been crucial to Newcastle’s rise and the arrival of a big earner might have current stars questioning their own wages.
It’s a difficult balancing act of course but Neves seemingly wants a big contract right away. Caution must be applied at this relatively early stage of Newcastle’s new era.
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