Newcastle United have been frustrated by PSR restrictions since the Saudi-backed ownership arrived in October 2021.
Former Newcastle United midfielder Lee Bowyer has sympathised with the club for having their “hands tied” in the transfer market.
PSR restrictions have proven the most frustrating topic on Tyneside since the Saudi-backed takeover. In fairness, the ownership - worth more than every Premier League club combined - have propelled Newcastle from relegation certainties to Champions League regulars.
However, United’s true potential has been unrealised - due to strict financial regulations - unlike Manchester City and Chelsea from yesteryear. It is perhaps a given that Alexander Isak would have likely stayed put if Newcastle were able to break the bank in contract negotiations.
Lee Bowyer feels sorry for Newcastle United
As quoted by The Express, former midfielder Bowyer insisted PSR restrictions are unfair on Newcastle. He said: "I can't say a bad word against Newcastle at this moment in time because – as a club – their hands are tied. And it frustrates me, obviously I played for the club and the fans were unbelievable up there. I feel for them because it's not fair.
"I don't think it's fair when you look at the clubs who have thrown money around left, right and centre, over the last 20 years, and they've all been able to build unbelievable squads who are capable of challenging for titles.
"Now Newcastle have the money to be able to do that but they're restricted; they've finally got someone who has the money to help them compete, but they're not able to spend it, and yet still they're actually managing to compete with the top teams in the division. That's why I think Eddie (Howe) and Jason (Tindall), and the rest of their team, are doing an amazing job, with their hands tied behind their back.
"They're having to duck and dive, and work magic with what they can do, and I don't think it's fair. You allow all of these teams to go and spend all these millions and build these amazing squads, and then you go and change the rules? To me that's not right."
Richard Masters confirm PSR vote
Newcastle fans, players, the manager and owners have taken aim at PSR in recent years - and a vote to scrap the system is on the horizon. However, top-flight CEO Masters insisted the division would not become the Wild West, with a move towards a different model.
to our clubs about an alternative system,” Masters told the Leaders Sports Conference on Thursday. “That's not to say we don't think the PSR system works. It's about closer alignment with European regulation, which is the squad-cost ratio, a revenue test.
"The PSR is a look-back profitability test and has its own strengths and weaknesses. No system will be perfect. We have to keep these things balanced and continue the conversation with our clubs, and that's an important decision, so we should take the time to get it right. But that decision is coming up."
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Eddie Howe on PSR
Speaking over the summer, Eddie Howe admitted Newcastle remain “controlled” by PSR. He said: "We’re controlled by PSR. That’s still limiting what we can do and that’s the reality. I’ve said many times, we’re not the highest payers in the league. We’re far from it and that is sometimes reflected in the choices players make.
“I don’t think there’s many players who have come here and haven’t benefitted from the experience Newcastle can give you. Playing in front of these supporters, that’s an absolute privilege and an honour that’s never lost on me. It’s a special place to be. Some players have a different choice. Finances play a part in that."
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