Newcastle United co-owner makes Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea spending claim amid £250m spree

Jamie Reuben insists Newcastle United are unable to consistently outspend the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool due to Financial Fair Play regulations.

Since the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, PCP Partners and RB Sports & Media acquired the club from Mike Ashley in October 2021, just over £250million has been spent on new players.

The £60m club-record signing of Alexander Isak, plus the arrivals of Matt Targett, Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Anthony Gordon and Harrison Ashby saw a total of around £155m spent last season. That amount was higher than Man City and Liverpool, but significantly lower than the whopping £540m Chelsea spent.

United’s finances will be bolstered by the return of Champions League football to St James’ Park next term but, as it stands, remain without a lucrative sponsorship deal, which limits their FFP allowance compared to their Premier League rivals.

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“You’ve seen the amount they’ve [other clubs] have spent... Financial Fair Play means we can’t do that just yet so we have to make sure our pound goes further a Manchester City, a Chelsea or a Liverpool,” Reuben told the Business of Sport podcast.

Newcastle are expected to confirm their new front-of-shirt sponsor in the coming days with Saudi events company Sela in talks over a £25million agreement.

“In order to meet Financial Fair Play which we’re adamant we’re going to do, we’re going to play by the rules,” Reuben added.

“We’re long-term investors, you need to invest in your stadium, you need to invest in your infrastructure, you need to invest in other non-footballing parts of your business to get the commercial revenue up in order to financially invest on the pitch and elevate your status which is a longer-term plan.”