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Newcastle can pull off six January deals to get around FFP including Isak sale
Newcastle may be forced to sell some of their most valuable assets to stay on the right side of FFP.
Newcastle have admitted that they might need to sell some of their most valuable assets to remain within profit and sustainability regulations. The Magpies are currently “compliant” with the rules, according to chief executive Darren Eales, despite announcing losses of £150m over a two-year period. Clubs are allowed to lose no more than £105m over a given three-year term.
Express Sport looks at some deals Newcastle could complete to ensure they do not fall foul of the Premier League’s financial rules.
Sign Kalvin Phillips on loan
Newcastle remain uneasy about signing midfielder Phillips on loan from Manchester City. A hefty loan fee being requested by City, claimed to be around £5m, is reported to be the reason for the Magpies’ hesitancy to acquire the England international.
Phillips, who has played 89 minutes in the Premier League all season, is available having struggled to find a place in City’s team. His ambitions to play for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 have seen him attempt to find a new club for the second half of the campaign.
After selling some of their notable assets, a loan fee should not be an issue for Newcastle’s Saudi majority owners. Phillips, 28, would be a welcome addition to Eddie Howe’s midfield.
Sell Alexander Isak to Arsenal
Isak has been a revelation since his arrival from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022. The Swede has bagged 24 goals for the club, including 14 this campaign.
But the striker is also one of Newcastle’s most sellable players. He would command a huge fee and with Callum Wilson in reserve, Howe would not need to sign another striker.
Arsenal, who are desperate for a prolific No 9, have the money to make a deal happen.
Sell Bruno Guimaraes to Liverpool
Liverpool have been linked with a deal for creative midfielder Guimaraes, who reportedly has a £99m release clause. The Brazilian has excelled in his two years at Newcastle but is one of the players the club might need to sell if they are to avoid a breach of financial regulations.
The emergence of the impressive 17-year-old Lewis Miley and the potential arrival of Man City’s Phillips should give Howe enough midfield cover until the end of the season. Then Newcastle can plan an overhaul of their squad.
Sell Sean Longstaff
Relinquishing Longstaff would represent pure profit for Newcastle. Selling academy graduates is a tactic used by Chelsea to avoid financial penalties, and Newcastle could do the same with the 25-year-old midfielder.
Longstaff was once linked with a £30m switch to Man Utd. The player’s performances under Howe would surely command a similar fee.
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Sign Serhou Guirassy
Striker Wilson’s injury problems may cause a concern should Isak depart, so Newcastle may want to activate the bargain £15m release clause in Guirassy’s Stuttgart contract. The 27-year-old is attracting interest from all over Europe, but Newcastle would be an interesting proposition.
Guirassy has a stunning record of 17 goals in only 14 Bundesliga matches this season. He scored a further 14 goals last term, making him a prolific option for Newcastle.
Sign Trevoh Chalobah on loan
Versatile Chelsea star Chalobah has declared himself fit after a long-term hamstring injury. But the 24-year-old could find himself axed from Stamford Bridge this month with Mauricio Pochettino already harbouring many options in defence.
Newcastle could strike a deal to sign Chalobah on loan for the rest of the season. It is unlikely to cost close to the same fee touted for Phillips.