Newcastle United has reached a fascinating but challenging chapter in its journey toward the footballing elite. While the ambition on Tyneside is sky-high, the club is currently facing a sobering reality check regarding its financial firepower compared to the traditional heavyweights of the Premier League.
As the Public Investment Fund (PIF) looks to refine its transfer strategy, the focus has shifted toward finding a sustainable path forward that balances world-class talent with the strict constraints of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
The next few transfer windows are being described behind the scenes as “make or break” for the long-term vision established since the takeover.
The most pressing concern at St James’ Park involves the right-back position. Scouts have been given firm instructions to intensify their search for a player ready to step straight into the first team. This urgency stems from a dual uncertainty at the back.
First, there is the future of club legend Kieran Trippier. At 35, the veteran defender is entering the final months of his contract. While manager Eddie Howe is open to keeping him, the Saudi Pro League specifically Neom Sports Club is reportedly preparing a massive financial package that could be impossible for Trippier to turn down at this stage of his career.
Even more worrying for the Newcastle hierarchy is the situation surrounding Tino Livramento. Although he is under contract until 2028, the young star has become a primary target for Manchester City and Arsenal.
The “wage truth” mentioned in recent reports is that Newcastle currently lacks the capacity to fend off a determined move from a club like Manchester City. Sources suggest that the Citizens could offer Livramento a staggering £300,000 per week a figure that is essentially double what Newcastle’s highest earners currently take home.
This salary gap has already impacted Newcastle’s plans. The club’s pursuit of England international Marc Guéhi was reportedly labeled a “non-starter” because the wage demands exceeded Newcastle’s internal salary structure, leading the defender to join Manchester City for £20 million instead.
Under the guidance of sporting director Ross Wilson and CEO David Hopkinson, the club is working tirelessly to close this gap by boosting commercial performance. However, until the Magpies become a permanent fixture in the Champions League, they must continue to operate with a more disciplined budget than their rivals.
| Player | Age | Contract Ends | Status |
| Sven Botman | 26 | 2030 | Committed / Key Star |
| Lewis Hall | 21 | 2028 | Committed / Key Star |
| Tino Livramento | 23 | 2028 | Subject of City/Arsenal Interest |
| Kieran Trippier | 35 | 2025 | Contract Expiring / Saudi Interest |
To prevent a talent drain, Newcastle is prioritizing long-term renewals for their “core” players. Last week, Sven Botman provided a massive boost by committing his future to the club until 2030.
The board is eager for Livramento to follow suit, hoping to build a defensive unit around Botman, Livramento, and Lewis Hall. Botman recently shared that he was convinced to stay after being told about the club’s specific ambition to be surrounded by trophies and to compete for the Champions League every single season.
He noted that the growth of the club over the last three and a half years was the primary reason for his long-term commitment.
While looking for future stars, the club has also been linked with 20-year-old Joaquin Seys from Club Brugge. Seys is a versatile defender who primarily plays as a left-back but can cover the right side when needed.
However, Club Brugge is reportedly playing hardball, as they are currently in a tight title race and hunting for a Champions League spot themselves. With a price tag of at least £20 million and interest from AS Roma, Newcastle must decide if a back-up option is worth that level of investment right now.
Ultimately, the message from inside Newcastle United is one of determined patience. CEO David Hopkinson recently concluded a 100-day review aimed at pushing the club’s commercial limits to provide Eddie Howe with more room to breathe in the transfer market.
The goal is clear: to spend every penny of profit back on the pitch to ensure the team remains competitive. While they may not be able to offer £300,000-a-week contracts today, the hope is that by building a winning culture and a squad of hungry, committed stars like Botman, those days are not too far in the distance.
For now, the recruitment team remains in a “holding pattern,” ready to act if the right deal for a right-back presents itself before the window slams shut.
