Though the seemingly age-old problem of FFP limits persists, Eddie Howe was unable to name a particularly strong bench away at Wolves on Saturday due to an increasing injury crisis and Sandro Tonali’s ten-month suspension.
Newcastle United will be quite active in the January transfer window
With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Newcastle spend again at the turn of the year, with PIF having invested in every transfer window since taking over the club.
To that purpose, one name remains tied.
Kalvin Phillips, a Manchester City and England midfielder, is frequently mentioned as a target.
Man City has set a fee for Kalvin Phillips to move to Newcastle.
Nonetheless, signing the player will be difficult.
Pep Guardiola has spoken positively about Phillips despite his lack of engagement at City, and it appears that those at the club still regard him.
According to the print edition of the Sunday Mirror (page 68 on 29/10/2023), the Premier League winners are willing to pay up to £50 million for the player.
The article lists Newcastle once more as a possible landing point, but it also mentions Liverpool, Juventus, West Ham, and Aston Villa as potential suitors.
Newcastle will not be held hostage, according to Kalvin Phillips.
It’s unclear why City believes Phillips’ value has increased by £8 million since joining the club for £42 million in the summer of 2022.
Clearly, City will never make it easy for a wealthy Premier League club to sign one of their players, but that seems a tad steep for someone who has not impressed.
Phillips must bear the brunt of the blame. If he is so desperate for first-team football ahead of Euro 2024, he must undoubtedly push for a switch, even if the price tag appears to be excessive.
Newcastle does need to reinforce in midfield following Tonali’s suspension, but they have previously demonstrated that they are not willing to be kept hostage in the transfer market.
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