Mick Quinn said Newcastle United had an embarrassing budget to work with in January and he didn’t understand why they didn’t spend more.
In his column for Chronicle Live, the talkSPORT pundit criticised the Magpies’ failure to spend in the window as smaller clubs than Newcastle United spent way more.
“I don’t really understand why Newcastle haven’t had more to spend,” admitted Quinn.
“Rafa Benitez still has the base of a Championship team and when you look at some of the money being spent by teams who are smaller than Newcastle in terms of stature, it’s embarrassing what his budget has been.”
However, Quinn did reveal that he was happy with the three players Newcastle United signed on loan during January.
Quinn praised the club’s ability to sign Islam Slimani from Leicester City and complimented Kenedy as he is excited to see what he can do at the club.
“I think we’ve done fantastic business to get him (Slimani) and hopefully he can get the goals which can seal Newcastle’s Premier League safety,” stated Quinn.
“I’m really pleased with Kenedy arriving, he looks a great player, he excited me: he makes runs and he’s skillful. ”
The pundit seemed unsure on the capture of Martin Dubravka, revealing that he was “intrigued” to see what the plan was for him.
OPINION
It really shouldn’t be a surprise to Quinn that Mike Ashley didn’t spend lots of money in January. He was never going to splash the cash in the transfer window as he is trying to sell the club. Why would the Magpies owner want to invest millions into a team that he’s trying to leave? Ashley no doubt wants Newcastle United to stay in the Premier League as relegation would drastically affect the value of the club, but he didn’t want to spend money to ensure their status. The owner no doubt has complete faith in Benitez and will expect him to work miracles with his current squad. At least two of the loan signings look worthy of helping the Magpies out in the second half of the season, but it’s hard to know how much of a difference Dubravka will have on the team.