Journalist Dominic Scurr admits he can’t see Newcastle United signing Joao Felix next month because of the finances that would be required.
According to the Sunday Mirror (via The Express), Jorge Mendes is on his way to hold talks with Newcastle United and other English clubs this week about the availability of the Portuguese international, who is said to be on the market in 2023.
It has been reported that Atletico Madrid are looking to receive around £86m for the services of Felix, and given that the Magpies are not thought to be set for big spending in January, the Felix links may well be a non-starter.
Scurr, who was speaking on the Loaded Mag YouTube channel, gave his take on the transfer links based on the noises coming out of St James’ Park.
He said: “Newcastle, funnily enough, would fit the bill [for Felix], but I think the finances just wouldn’t really work for Newcastle at the moment.
Do you want Newcastle to sign Felix?
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“All noises from the club suggest Newcastle are going to be quite conservative and we’re talking maybe one, two transfers in January and maybe a player or two will go out as well, but in terms of a move for a player who is still one of the most expensive players of all time, I can’t see it happening – but talks obviously taking place this week.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle’s interest in Felix…
As Scurr has spoken about, the finances simply wouldn’t work for Newcastle, with the Magpies having spent well over £220m in 2022 on transfers and received next to no money from departing players. Therefore, to splash out £86m on one player would be a risky tactic from PIF from a Financial Fair Play point of view.
This is mainly because it will only hinder them in future transfer windows when better options and more attractive prices may come available, and PIF certainly won’t want Newcastle to turn into a side like Everton, who have been battling against FFP rules of late.
However, if some kind of deal can be agreed upon where Newcastle pay a minimal fee upfront and then the rest in bonuses and instalments, PIF may well take Felix and Mendes seriously, but they certainly wouldn’t jeopardise the future of Newcastle for the sake of one player – particularly one who has failed to impress out in Spain.