Newcastle’s Owners: Time to Get it Right

The spotlight is on Newcastle United, and while Alexander Isak’s situation is grabbing headlines, a more significant issue demands attention from those at St James’ Park.

Isak is a world-class player, and naturally, elite teams are interested. Agents, especially those considering contract talks, will fuel the rumours. Newcastle’s response has been relatively sound, consistently stating Isak is not for sale, and manager Eddie Howe has navigated the situation well.

Howe has publicly expressed confidence in keeping Isak, acknowledging his importance to the team. He carefully chose his words, stopping short of ironclad guarantees but assuring fans of the player’s focus and the club’s determination to retain him. Howe called Isak “irreplaceable” and believes he will be at Newcastle when the transfer window closes.

A potential move to Liverpool seems unlikely due to financial constraints. While Liverpool may have more leeway under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), Newcastle would demand a significant fee, potentially exceeding £150 million. Liverpool’s acquisition of Hugo Ekitike suggests they are adopting a wait-and-see approach.

Arsenal decided against pursuing Isak months ago, and other options appear limited. Links to PIF-owned Al-Hilal seem improbable, as selling Newcastle’s star striker would contradict the club’s long-term progress plans.

While Isak is likely to stay, the uncertainty may disrupt his focus, presenting a challenge for Howe. Such challenges are inherent in managing a top team. However, a more pressing concern is the club’s overall strategy, encompassing everything from stadium development to recruitment and the executive team. Progress in these areas has been slower than anticipated.

Instability Behind the Scenes

The club has undergone significant boardroom changes. They have had two directors of football in 18 months, and chief executive Darren Eales is departing. Paul Mitchell’s brief tenure saw him criticise the club’s transfer model before his sudden exit, seemingly surprising Howe.

The club’s recruitment structure has fluctuated, initially shifting power away from Howe and then reverting to an interim arrangement where he has greater influence, working alongside his nephew Andy, the assistant head of recruitment.

Frustrating Transfer Window

Newcastle have struggled to secure targets this summer. Ekitike’s move to Liverpool adds to a list of players, including Dean Hujisen, Liam Delap, and Joao Pedro, who have eluded the club. Bryan Mbeumo and James Trafford were also considered but ultimately proved unattainable. Howe has described the summer as “frustrating.”

There is still time to improve the situation, but questions remain about whether lessons have been learned. Last year, Newcastle waited for Crystal Palace to lower their asking price for Marc Guehi, but Palace held firm. Similarly, Burnley are not budging on Trafford’s price, and Brentford are unlikely to offer any concessions on Yoane Wissa, despite him being a primary target.

Howe admitted that some targets were not “desperate” enough to join Newcastle. This raises questions about whether the club should have been aware of their position in the players’ preferences.

Navigating a Difficult Market

Newcastle operate in a challenging market, seeking players who can improve an already strong team while adhering to financial constraints.

“Financial [considerations] play a huge part, anyone who doesn’t think that’s true is deluded,” Howe stated.

“I wouldn’t say finances are the number one for every player, it’d be wrong to put that on each and every player, every situation is different, but we can’t and we aren’t the biggest payers in the league because we don’t generate the most income so we have to fall in line with PSR and we have to be very smart with what we do so we have to control the wages that we have. That all plays a part in who we can attract.”

The club’s momentum may be waning, and these strategic issues need to be addressed swiftly. Securing the right talent is crucial to building on last season’s success, and a clear, consistent strategy is essential to achieving long-term goals. The clock is ticking for Newcastle to resolve these issues and ensure a successful season ahead.