Newcastle United are not finding it easy in the January transfer market.
Despite the many millions PIF have at their disposal generally, Eddie Howe has constantly made reference to the fact that this window will be a difficult one for Newcastle.
FFP constraints, as ever, are said to loom large over St James’ Park.
Take Dominic Solanke, for example. With all due respect to the in-form Bournemouth forward, he is perhaps not the elite-level target many would have linked to Newcastle after the takeover.
Still, despite the reports touting him as a target, Howe has since confirmed the club simply cannot afford him.
The prospect of selling a key player in order to unlock funds has been raised but it seems Newcastle are letting their frustrations be known behind the scenes.
Newcastle FFP: What is being said behind the scenes
Indeed, according to Miguel Delaney in his latest Reading The Game newsletter posted by The Independent, Newcastle are not alone in their annoyance at FFP rules.
Writing of the situation, Delaney says: “Clubs like Newcastle United have been making their frustration clear and letting it be known others share the same sentiments.
“The argument from that side – that really only tells part of the story – is that it is to preserve the status of the big clubs.”
Newcastle and FFP: No use moaning
There is little use moaning about the rules currently in place. While the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City might have been more free to spend big upon their takeovers, the landscape looks very different now.
Though it won’t be easy, Newcastle need to find a way around them. PIF are reportedly eager to keep bringing money into the club by the way of commercial sponsorship deals, which will naturally help.
That, along with player trading, is sadly the only way to combat it right now.
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