Newcastle United need to make £44m in profit from player sales in order to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules for 2023-24, casting doubt over the future of star man Bruno Guimaraes.
The midfielder was one of Eddie Howe’s star men last season and will shortly head out to the United States to represent Brazil at this summer’s Copa America.
Guimaraes, 26, was one of Newcastle’s first blockbuster signings under the Saudi Public Investment Fund, who bought the club for £300m in October 2021.
Their time in the north east so far has been characterised by success in qualifying for the Champions League but also frustration about the Premier League’s spending rules.
Under Profit and Sustainability Rules or PSR (formerly financial fair play, or FFP), the Magpies are only allowed to lose £105m over a rolling three-year assessment period.
That period for the three years up to 2023-24 ends on 30th June – and the latest analysis shows that Newcastle will need to make player sales in order to get under the threshold.
Finance expert outlines Newcastle’s urgent need to sell players
According to world-renowned football finance blogger Swiss Ramble, Newcastle need to make up a £44m deficit before 30th June in order to meet the £105m threshold.
The finance expert stressed that this figure was a projection and that, without having access to the exact figures in the accounts, it would be impossible to predict Newcastle’s position with any certainty.
However, even allowing for a conservative margin of error, it looks as though the exits are on the cards if the Tynesiders are to dodge a fine and/or a points deduction next season.
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Man City’s Bruno Guimaraes stance
Newcastle’s two prize assets are Alexander Isak and Guimaraes, both of whom have a number of suitors.
Guimaraes is said to have a £100m release clause and has been heavily linked with Premier League champions Man City.
ESPN are now reporting that City do not value the midfielder at his £100m release clause.
However, they would be interested in him if one of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva or Matheus Nunes asks to leave this summer.
If that situation materialises before the 30th June PSR deadline, they will know they are in a commanding position to use Newcastle’s financial position against them to negotiate a cut-price deal.