Newcastle United should get used to this.
The problem with having such a bottomless pit of resources is that everyone else knows about it too. Imagine winning the lottery, heading out for a couple of drinks and everybody in the bar demanding you buy each and every round? As soon as Newcastle express their interest in a player these days, expect to see their price-tag automatically shoot upwards; the vultures looking to get their slice of the Saudi billions.
To the Magpies’ credit, however, they have shown in the first 18 months of Saudi Arabian ownership that they will not be held to ransom. Their transfer market activity has been intelligent. Considered. Well-thought out.
Newcastle have doubts about Scott McTominay price-tag
ESPN say that, while Eddie Howe is a big fan of Scott McTominay, Newcastle have no plans to meet Manchester United’s valuation of the Scotland international. Their price-tag currently stands at a minimum of £40 million.
And with good reason. If any player sums up Man United’s decline into mediocrity in recent seasons, it’s arguably him. One half – probably the worst half – of that much-maligned ‘McFred’ partnership, the appointment of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford has further exposed McTominay’s technical deficiencies.
He lacks the confidence in possession to truly shine as a ‘number six’ while his decision-making in the final-third prevents him from being utilised efficiently as a ‘number eight’. Now, Howe has overachieved spectacularly with hard-working-but-limited players at St James’ Park; coaxing career-best performances out of Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and co.
But £40 million for a man who arguably possesses very few defining qualities? That would be an odd bit of business. Especially when far more gifted footballers can be snapped up for a smaller price via superior scouting.
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‘Not good enough’
“Not good enough,” an irate Roy Keane told Sky Sports; August’s 2-1 opening day defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion still fresh in the mind.
“They won’t get Manchester United back competing at the top. We see it week in, week out. They’re not up to it.”
McTominay possesses a mere fraction of Bruno Guimaraes’ quality and will cost around £10 million more than the Brazil playmaker. Throughout the Premier League, there are countless examples of how excellent scouting and intelligent recruitment can have rather remarkable results. Fulham paid £17 million for Joao Palhinha. Brighton; £4 million for Moises Caicedo. Crystal Palace; £16 million for Cheick Doucoure.
Eddie Howe, The Athletic say, is personally a big fan of McTominay. But, after making so much progress in so little time at Newcastle, Howe’s focus should be on signing players capable of improving his starting XI and taking the upwardly-mobile Magpies to another level. If McTominay is ‘not good enough’ for Man United, why should he be the right man for a side looking to reach their level.
That £40 million can undoubtedly be better spent elsewhere.
In other news, Everton transfer news: £18m ace set for exit having played just four games
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