‘From what I’ve read’ - Matt Le Tissier ‘delves’ into Newcastle United finances and provides interesting theory
Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier believes financial restrictions are stopping Newcastle United from challenging the Premier League elite.
Toon chiefs have been frustrated by FFP/PSR regulations since the Saudi-backed ownership bought the club in October 2021. Initially, lavish spending saw the likes of Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon recruited as the Magpies stormed to a Champions League finish.
Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall were the high-profile additions following qualification but, since then, incomings have been few and far between. Supporters have grown frustrated in the past two windows, with Newcastle failing to sign a first-team starter.
Outgoings also appear more likely this month before Eddie Howe adds anyone to his European-chasing squad. Speaking to the Rob Moore podcast, former Premier League maverick Le Tissier claimed the current rules are working against Newcastle.
“From the outside looking in, you look at it and go ‘Well, it’s financial fair play’,” he said. “It’s meant to make sure clubs aren’t overstretching their budgets so we don’t get clubs going out of business.
“That sounds all great and fine but, when you delve down into it, actually what it does is stop any team from challenging the status quo at the top. That’s where all the money is.
“They’re basically saying to teams like Newcastle, who have very wealthy owners, they’re literally going ‘Ah, you have all that money, but you can’t spend it’. You can’t go all out and challenge the big boys.
“From what I’ve read, they’ve (Premier League clubs) been trying to find ways around the rules. When you put those things (financial restrictions) in place, there’s always clever people who are looking to get around them.”