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Opinion

Newcastle United avoiding this transfer lunacy is to be admired

7 years ago
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When Rafa Benitez said that the transfer market was crazy this summer he was spot on.

Even ignoring the likes of Lukaku, Mbappe and any other potential ludicrous record-setters, the inflation of transfer fees in the past month has been scary.

Newcastle’s approach in avoiding such lunacy is, dare I say it, to be admired.

The true means test of the football economy is how much an average or generally ‘good’ player is worth.

With Arnautovic being sold by Stoke for around £20 million (plus £5m extra depending on appearances), a valuation which seems a clear exaggeration of his abilities and commitment across a whole season, West Ham may receive a potential star but at an extraordinary risk.

Spurs are now desperate to cut their losses on the £30m they foolishly paid for Sissoko, despite what any scout who watched us that season could have pointed out to them.

Thankfully, Newcastle have so far managed to avoid this circus. To be clear, that does not mean that the squad is in any way strong enough for the new season yet. As we all recognise, different (i.e. more experienced) faces are needed in a variety of positions.

Even so, in the past NUFC has had its fair share of disappointing marquee signings and a smarter strategy is needed for long-term success. I can’t say I know much about our current acquisitions, but so long as Rafa Benitez shows his approval, then I’m confident of their quality come this new season.

At the start of last season the team made a slow start, perhaps due to the number of incoming players in the summer months. Rather than try to replace every position all at once, it would be more sound to do this over a number of years and maintain a level of squad morale and cohesion.

Nor is it necessary to spend great quantities of cash on ‘proven names’ from the Premier League.

None of our best signings in recent times like Yohan Cabaye, Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba (had only made 10 PL starts for West Ham) were established players in the English leagues.

Those players helped the club challenge for Europe and, although expectations have changed over the years, it goes to show that a lack of headline-making during the silly season needn’t foreshadow poor results in the winter.

(All contributions from Newcastle fans welcome, send articles (as well as ideas/suggestions) to contribute@themag.co.uk)

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