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Eddie Howe spoke about Newcastle's finances (Image: The Overlap)
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has admitted that it has been ‘difficult’ for his side since being branded the ‘richest club in the world’. The Magpies were purchased by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) in 2021 from Mike Ashley.
Despite PIF’s monumental wealth being no secret around the world, all is not rosy behind the scenes at St James’ Park. Howe led Newcastle to the Champions League last season and looks on course to make it consecutive European finishes in the coming weeks.
However, Financial Fair Play has caused issues on Tyneside, Howe has admitted in an interview with The Overlap. The ex-Bournemouth boss explained: “Whenever you hear Newcastle mentioned externally in the media, it’s always the ‘richest club in the world’ tag that goes next to it.
“That’s been difficult for us because there’s always been that pressure on us even though we’re not living that reality. We’ve had to battle that; the players have handled that really well.
Allan Saint-Maximin was sold to raise funds (Image: Getty)
“I’ve come from a club like Bournemouth that had to invest to grow, so I think if the owner has the money and wants to invest in a safe way and put the money into the club, then why can’t he spend that money? I think that’s how football clubs should work.
“We don’t want to see clubs getting into financial problems long term, but if that money is ringfenced then they should be able to use it.” The financial constraints meant that the Magpies opted to part ways with Allan Saint-Maximin last summer, with the winger joining Al-Ahli in a deal worth approximately £23million.
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Anthony Gordon has impressed since joining Newcastle (Image: Getty)
The winger was replaced by Anthony Gordon on the left, and the ex-Everton star has been in sensational form since joining the Toon Army. Howe continued: “Maxi [Allan Saint-Maximin] was a player that I absolutely loved. He was slightly different to the conventional wingers that maybe I’ve had in the past, he is an absolute maverick and magician with the ball. We were accommodating him, his strengths, and weaknesses within the team, loved working with him. Financial Fair Play was hitting us, so we had to lose Maxi at that moment, and I think it was probably his time to leave, for him as well.
“Then you’re looking to replace a player that was a difference maker – you could never go like-for-like, I don’t know another Allan Saint-Maximin, with his qualities, so you have to find someone different – Anthony [Gordon].”
