Eddie Howe Holds Firm on Newcastle Transfer Stance Amid PSR Concerns and £11m Debate

Eddie Howe’s logical approach to retaining valued squad member Lloyd Kelly might not sit well with St. James’ Park faithful, especially in this peculiar era of PSR dependency.

Many fans see the free summer signing as dispensable, arguing that if clubs like Juventus or Fenerbahce are interested, Newcastle should consider letting him go.

After all, any fee gained from Kelly’s sale would represent pure profit.

Earlier this month, speculation suggested that interested parties were willing to pay between £6m and £11m for Kelly.

This led to widespread calls for Newcastle to cash in quickly, particularly given their inability to spend during the current transfer window. The urgency to raise funds is understandable.

However, Eddie Howe has been firm in his stance.

He insists that no offer so far has been enticing enough for Newcastle to consider parting ways with the center-back.

Howe has made it clear it would take a significant bid to convince him to let go of a trusted squad member.

“Lloyd’s an integral part of what we’re doing from my perspective. His challenge is to try and work his way into the team,” Howe told reporters.

“He’s only just arrived, so I think he’s got a lot to achieve here.”

Stripping away the PSR context, what would Kelly’s value be in a typical transfer market? At 26 years old, with 63 Premier League appearances under his belt, he’s an experienced player.

Howe fought hard to sign him this summer, and Bournemouth valued him at over £20m before his contract ran down.

Additionally, Kelly’s departure would leave Newcastle short-staffed in another key area of the pitch.

The rumored £11m fee? That seems far below his true value. While Kelly isn’t currently a first-team regular, Newcastle shouldn’t undervalue him just to ease financial pressures.

Though a January departure for Kelly remains possible, Howe has expressed doubts about securing replacements before the summer.

Is it worth selling Kelly now and leaving the squad thin for the rest of the season, with ambitions for a top-four finish and a cup run at stake? Or is Howe justified in prioritizing squad depth over a quick sale?

Some fans argue that any profit is worthwhile for a player who isn’t breaking into the starting XI.

However, Howe’s position makes sense: if Kelly is to leave, it should be for a top-dollar fee, not a bargain price.

The question now is whether any club will make an offer substantial enough to persuade Newcastle to part with their summer signing.