Newcastle fans have no right to complain about Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR), according to a scathing column by Harry Brent, who points to the club's state-backed ownership and a series of questionable transfers.
Hypocrisy on an industrial scale
Brent argues that supporting a state-owned Saudi oil club while complaining about financial morality is like a cannibal lecturing on animal rights. He also highlights the club's recruitment record over the last three years, describing it as a list of overpriced signings.
Among the deals mentioned are Bazoumana Toure for £43 million, backup goalkeepers Ewen Jaouen and Lukas Hornicek costing more than the £35 million fee received from Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson, and Aladji Bamba for £30 million despite only 18 senior appearances.
Wasteful spending spree
Brent criticises the club for spending over half the money raised from selling Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes on unvetted players. Last year, they spent a quarter of a billion pounds on Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade, Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga, who have made little positive impact.
The year before, they spent half their budget on Odysseas Vlachodimos, who played just one League Cup match. Brent concludes that Newcastle spend money like a drunk at a strip club and deserve no sympathy.
Fabrizio Romano's pompous haters
Brent also takes aim at fans who criticise transfer guru Fabrizio Romano after years of relying on his updates. He compares them to Ryanair customers who complain but keep coming back.
He acknowledges Romano is an irritating content creator who never takes a day off, but says trying to act superior after years of seeking his updates is pathetic.
Mo Salah's bizarre move
Mohamed Salah's move to Trabzonspor is described as utterly bizarre. Brent suggests his reputation in the UK may be overinflated, or he is facing comeuppance for his behaviour last season.
He questions what happened to the reported interest from Saudi Arabia, Bayern and Real Madrid, and criticises Salah for his treatment of Arne Slot and Liverpool in his final year at Anfield.
