The official Newcastle United view on Chelsea’s mega January transfer window spending

Eddie Howe refused to be drawn into debates surrounding Chelsea’s mega January transfer spending spree.

The Blues spent an astonishing £323million on eight players - more than clubs in the Italian, German, French and Spanish top flights combined - with Enzo Fernandez being the most expensive following his British record move from Benfica.

“It’s always difficult to comment on other teams’ business,” the Newcastle United head coach said. “Every club is very individual, so how can I give an opinion not knowing what Chelsea’s brief is and what their objective is? We’ve seen it along with everybody else.

“All I can say is I think they’ve bought some very, very good players into the Premier League. I think they’ll do very well and it’ll be interesting to see how the team gels.”

In comparison, the Magpies spent £48m last month on Anthony Gordon (£45m) and Harrison Ashby (£3m). Even since the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia acquired the Magpies in October 2021, United’s transfer spending across three windows has fallen below Chelsea’s January figure.

“I’ve never, ever in my position, even when I was under a transfer embargo at Bournemouth for a season, used finances and ability to bring players in as an excuse, or as a reason why we’re not winning, Howe said. “Every club is so different.

“We do things our way here and I’m really pleased with the squad we have.”

Following Newcastle’s recent rise - where they currently sit third in Premier League table - Chelsea were among the English clubs that refused to do business with Howe’s side.

United registered an interest in Conor Gallagher on deadline day following Jonjo Shelvey’s shock departure to Nottingham Forest, and while the player was keen on a move, the Blues did not sanction his departure.

When asked if United are now being seen as a threat by the ‘Big Six’, Howe said: “That’s your words not mine, but yeah, I think you’re on the right lines. I think it is potentially difficult for us.

“It depends on the player, and it depends on the club, but I think we’re probably aware we are seen differently this season to how we were last season. We are viewed differently probably by some clubs now, and that is something we will have to adjust to.”