Newcastle United screwed over by PSR once again after fresh blow

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Newcastle United massively enhanced their PSR position during the January transfer window.

Miguel Almiron was sold to Atlanta United, with Newcastle United receiving around £11million for the Paraguay international.

On top of that, the Magpies lined up a future deal for Lloyd Kelly. He was loaned to Juventus, but the Serie A giants are obliged to pay £20million for him in the summer if certain clauses are met.

Juventus will sign Kelly if they qualify for Europe, which is very likely to happen. In turn, Newcastle’s PSR position will be even stronger going into the next accounting period.

Newcastle United confirm Lewis Hall injury

Letting Kelly leave was a risk, but it was one that Newcastle United felt was worth taking.

However, that risk has now been exposed following news of Lewis Hall’s injury.

The 20-year-old suffered an ankle problem in the recent defeat to Liverpool, and the club have now announced that Hall will miss the remainder of the season.

In a statement, Newcastle United wrote: “Following a scan and advice from a specialist, Lewis will undergo surgery before a period of rehabilitation with the club’s medical team. Everyone at Newcastle United wishes Lewis the very best with his surgery and recovery.”

With Hall ruled out for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign, Eddie Howe is suddenly short of left-back options.

Tino Livramento will likely play over there, while Newcastle also have Matt Targett.

Newcastle United’s PSR gamble is exposed

However, the Hall injury casts a fresh spotlight on the Magpies’ decision to let Kelly leave. While their PSR position has been enhanced and that is good in the long-term, Newcastle’s short-term prospects are suddenly bleak.

But that is the risk that Newcastle knew they were taking.

Juventus are paying an inflated price for Kelly, which is why Toon officials probably felt like they had to take the opportunity that was presented to them.

While that looks like a mistake now, it might not in the summer when Newcastle are in a stronger position to reinvest.

Newcastle want three outfield signings, as Paul Mitchell aims to massively enhance Eddie Howe’s squad.

That will be easier due to the money that Newcastle will receive from Kelly, even if Howe is suddenly in a position where he would benefit from having the 26-year-old on Tyneside.

Once again, PSR has forced Newcastle United to make risky decisions as PIF’s riches remain untouched.