Rio Ferdinand questions Newcastle United approach ahead of summer transfer window

Newcastle United may have to consider a change in approach in the transfer market this summer - according to former Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand.

The Magpies have gradually built a squad that has helped them progress up the Premier League table over the last 18 months after a number of signings have paid off in fine style. Although the United hierachy has spent well over £200m in boosting Eddie Howe’s ranks, it would be safe to suggest they have avoided moving for the superstars that were suggested as ‘targets’ when a PIF-led consortium completed a takeover of the club in October 2021.

Brazilian superstar Neymar, Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe and even former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo have been linked with a move to Tyneside - but the Magpies have stayed true to a transfer plan that has garnered rewards in grand fashion.

After handing carefully considered additions such as Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Sven Botman a first chance to impress in the Premier League, United have ended their 20-year absence from the Champions League after securing a top-four finish. That philosophy looks set to continue this summer with a number of promising talents said to be on the Magpies radar - but Ferdinand has suggested there may be a ‘different type of character’ targeted as the club prepares for a return to European football’s elite.

He told BT Sport: “The one thing I am looking forward to and will be interesting to see with Eddie Howe is their recruitment. Dan Ashworth behind the scenes and the people who run the club have been cool and collected in doing that and with a measured approach. But the next level of player they are going to be going for.

“They were fine getting these players at that point but they are now maybe going to go into the superstar type of region and then it's about managing those different types of characters. That's where I would be interested to see where Eddie Howe is with that.”

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