Newcastle told 'be careful' over PSR even after Alexander Isak sale - finance expert
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(Credit: Imago) Tue 11 November 2025 16:31, UK The huge sale of Alexander Isak in the summer transfer window will not benefit Newcastle immediately in the January transfer window.That is according to football finance expert Dr Dan Plumley who exclusively told Football Insider that Newcastle will have to consider UEFA squad cost rules now they are back in the Champions League.Isak was sold to Liverpool for £125million, but Newcastle still have PSR concerns despite such a large sale.Newcastle’s 3-1 defeat at Brentford currently has Eddie Howe’s side just two points above the relegation zone with pressure mounting on the Toon boss.Credit: ImagoChampions League ‘vitally important’ for NewcastleSpeaking exclusively to Football Insider, Plumley believes Newcastle will not spend heavily in the January transfer window, with UEFA squad cost one of the reasons why.“The numbers wouldn’t suggest to me that they could spend heavily. I think they have still got to be careful,” Plumley said.“We know they’ve had issues running up against PSR.
“I still think it’s likely that changes in the future, and they are on the UEFA squad cost rules as well now being back in the Champions League. “I think it’s more a case of they will probably be okay, but they’ve got to be careful of squad cost, and, obviously, PSR as well with where the Premier League are at.
“This is where you have seen Newcastle, they have been very vocal about PSR in the Premier League and how it’s stopping them from competing and bridging that gap. It’s vitally important for them as well.“Credit: Getty ImagesNewcastle fighting for Champions League spotThe Newcastle squad have asked questions of their away record, as Howe’s side have not won the road since April in the Premier League.Newcastle are currently seven points off the Champions League places, with their away form needing to improve quickly if they are to mount a top four challenge.Failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League could put the Toon back to square one in their bid to improve their PSR position.