Newcastle United have not been able to unleash a bottomless pit on their Premier League counterparts.
Bruno Guimaraes has admitted PSR restrictions “got in the way” of Newcastle United catapulting to Premier League domination.
Many expected the Magpies to blow the competition out of the water when the Public Investment Fund bought the club in October 2021. Chelsea and Manchester City showed with previous takeovers that bucketloads of cash can transform clubs into contenders overnight.
However, PSR - the Premier League’s financial restrictions - were not in place when Roman Abramovich and Sheikh Mansour steamrolled into English football. Newcastle have been forced to take a more measured approach under Saudi ownership despite boasting the world’s richest owners.
Bruno Guimaraes makes PSR admission
Speaking to ESPN, the Brazilian acknowledged how PSR measures have hindered Newcastle’s progress. He said: "I think that, to be very honest, the matter of the Financial Fair Play (PSR), after it was created, with Newcastle with new owners, got in the way of a lot of things here.
"We had situations where we had to sell players when we didn't even want to. I think that this season we managed to balance the Financial Fair Play well. We can spend, we can hold onto players, we can do what the management sees fit, I say we but I can't do anything."
Eddie Howe on PSR
A fortnight ago, Eddie Howe also referenced finances as a stumbling block for Newcastle in the market. Wages, in particular, is an area where the Magpies struggle to match their Premier League rivals.
"We're controlled by PSR," Howe told reporters. "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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Bruno Guimaraes on World Cup dream
Guimaraes also outlined how he wants to perform well for Newcastle to help his World Cup cause. He said: "The World Cup is the main focus for me. I want to arrive very well, I want to be well at my club so that I can get called up. So this season at Newcastle, as I said, has everything to be my best.
"I want to play my free, light and loose soccer. So that I can be able to perform. So that I can be the best version of Bruno possible. But I'm really excited for this season."
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