(Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)

Callum O'Connell

Mon 4 August 2025 8:00, UK

Newcastle United must now overpay to sign the multiple top players they want in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

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Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson explained the club may decide to overpay after being left frustrated in their pursuit of multiple high-profile targets in this window.

That is despite their previous refusal to be held to a so-called “Newcastle tax” with clubs demanding above the odds for their players given the wealth on display.

Football Insider revealed on 4 July that Eddie Howe has been “devastated” by their failings in the transfer market so far after missing out on multiple key targets.

The likes of Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo, James Trafford and Hugo Ekitike are among those who have decided to move elsewhere despite the Magpies’ interest.

While those failings have been blamed on the club’s refusal to pay over the odds, there is now an acceptance they may have to if they want to improve their squad.

Eddie Howe has endured a frustrating transfer window.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

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This article contains exclusive comment from Paul Robinson, a football pundit and former England, Tottenham and Leeds goalkeeper.

Football finance expert Dan Plumley told Football Insider on 12 June that Newcastle are being charged “Saudi tax” by rivals, scuppering their transfer plans this summer.

Missing out on key targets has come as a huge blow to the club’s aspirations following last season’s Champions League qualification as the initial aim was to push on.

Robinson explained that they may now have to give in to their resistance and pay over the odds in an effort to final get their new signings over the line.

“We’ve always said they’re not going to pay the Newcastle tax,” he told Football Insider.

“Everyone in the world knows they’re the richest club in the world, and they’re not going to be held over a barrel to overpay for players they don’t see that value in.

“But I think for Newcastle, there comes a point where I think they may have to, just to get the brilliant players they want.

“The richest club in the world should be able to build and financially sustain themselves.

“Struggling to get players over the line, it’s not a one-off thing, it is an issue.

“Eddie Howe will be getting frustrated as the season gets closer.

“Howe will want the players at his disposal that he’s going to need to prepare for a long, hard season competing in the Champions League and Premier League.

“The nearer the window comes to closing and the season starting, the more frustrated Howe will get.”

Newcastle could lose Alexander Isak this summer.

(Credit: Getty Images)

Alongside their frustrations with attempting to strengthen the squad, the Magpies are also facing the possibility of losing their best player in Alexander Isak.

Football Insider revealed on 3 August that Newcastle want Isak’s situation resolved as soon as possible after rejecting an initial bid from Liverpool.

Howe’s side are keen to put an end to the speculation surrounding his future, even if it means accepting a new offer, and have now set their sights on his replacement.

This comes after Football Insider revealed on 2 August that Liverpool could “shatter” the British transfer record with a new bid for Isak.

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