'Newcastle Tax': Eddie Howe Discusses Club's Stance on Overpaying for Recruits Ahead of PL Opener

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe explained the club’s position on lashing out exorbitant sums of money on new recruits ahead of the 2024-25 season of the Premier League as the 46-year-old opined that the Magpies have no issues walking away from a transfer if they feel that the deal isn’t for them.

Newcastle, who finished seventh in the PL last season, made noises in the Premier League following the Saudi takeover of the club, which promised a massive influx of money in an attempt to restore the club to its glory days.

Howe spoke of the ‘Newcastle Tax’ slapped on potential transfers to the Northern shores of England after the PIF takeover, but added that they have never shied away from turning away from a deal in which they feel they’d have overpaid for a player.

“We have done many times in my time here, especially early on where there was very much a ‘Newcastle tax’ on any deal where when we would ring up, the price would double,” Howe said.

“So many times we were, ‘No, that’s not for us, we’re not going to go down that road where we feel we’re over-paying for players,’ he added.

He added that the perception of the club’s transfer policies has altered a bit following evidence that the club are comfortable walking away from the discussion table instead of over-paying for a signing.

“That’s changed slightly because people have seen the dynamic, that we’re not going to pay silly fees for players, so I think now it’s returned more to normality,” Howe added.

Newcastle are linked with a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has been priced at 65 Million Pounds by the London club, but Howe reiterated the club’s stand on paying top dollar for new recruits.

“We’re hopeful. We’re working hard. There’s no lack of effort from outside but, as I said earlier, there’s nothing close,” the Englishman added.

Newcastle made the group stage of the UEFA Champions League 2023-24 with their 4th-place finish in the season leading up to the UCL campaign, which was eventually won by Real Madrid.

Newcastle begin their PL campaign with a fixture against newly-promoted Southampton on Saturday.