Newcastle United supporters are undoubtedly sick of hearing about FFP/PSR. Before each transfer window, Eddie Howe would deflect questions about transfer speculation, using financial restrictions as a reason to dampen expectations.
Like the boy who cried wolf, Toon fans had begun dismissing those comments until their chickens came home to roost. In January, Newcastle desperately needed reinforcements as a gruelling first half of the campaign had taken its toll.
Injuries were rife and a congested fixture list due to Champions League football left Howe down to the barebones. But the Magpies - like most Premier League clubs - were unable to counteract that in the transfer market.
FFP/PSR will govern Newcastle’s transfer activity in the summer window too, meaning they could end up shopping around the bargain basement. Lo and behold, there are several quality players available for nothing at the end of the season.
Toon chiefs could save themselves a fortune by sprinkling one or two freebies around the marquee arrivals. NewcastleWorld has profiled the best five players the Magpies can sign for nothing come June.
1. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester)
Once touted by the Premier League's top clubs, Ndidi would provide a cost-effective alternative to Newcastle's defensive-midfield dilemma.
2. Lloyd Kelly (Bournemouth)
Kelly - signed by Eddie Howe in 2019 - can play at left-back or centre-back and is being touted by Newcastle and Liverpool.
3. Mehdi Taremi (Porto)
One of Iran's greatest-ever players, Taremi, who bagged a brace against England at the World Cup, would provide backup to Alexander Isak.
4. Adrien Rabiot (Juventus)
Rabiot was a World Cup finalist 16 months ago and has been linked with Manchester United.