Gary Neville has praised Newcastle United’s owners for their approach in the transfer market. Most pundits expected the Magpies to go all out and splash the cash on the biggest names in Europe this summer.
The £300million Saudi-backed takeover hinted at Newcastle becoming the latest Gulf state-backed club to muscle in and change the landscape of football finances forever. However, a more modest approach has seen the new regime refuse to be taken advantage of by rival clubs.
As it stands, United are seventh in terms of net spend across Europe. Sven Botman remains the marquee arrival at £32million but more signings are anticipated before the window slams shut.
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A measured approach is a far cry from Manchester City’s blueprint 14 years ago. Not governed by Financial Fair Play regulations, Sheikh Mansour transformed Premier League also-rans into title winners in less than four years.
Neville believes Newcastle are acting accordingly while highlighting Everton - who have spent over £500million since Farhad Moshiri took charge in 2016 - as an example of potential post-takeover pitfalls. Speaking on the Overlap, in partnership with Sky Bet, the former Manchester United captain said: “I think Newcastle have looked at maybe Everton when a new owner has come in, or even Manchester City.
‘Robinho was the first signing (for Man City) under Sheikh Mansour – and (maybe Newcastle have) thought that never really works.
“So, (Newcastle have) to try and bridge the gap to the top in a more cautious or conservative manner, with Eddie Howe signing players that build respectability in football. They don’t look like they are out to just throw money, left, right and centre. I think it’s definitely the best way to do it.”
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