Where are all the cash signings, asks former United fans’ favourite
BIG NAME WOULD EXCITE TOON ARMY, SAYS MARTIN
MICK Martin has questioned why Newcastle United have not made more cash purchases in this summer’s transfer window.
The former Toon favourite – nicknamed Zico by fans – says he is disappointed that the Magpies have not dipped into the TV money which is set to boost the club coffers this month.
United have signed Kenedy on loan and Ki Sung-yueng on a free transfer with just £4m spent so far on goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Martin told the Chronicle: “It’s not brilliant – but’s also nothing new is it? “Here we are again. “Pre-season has been like this before and by this stage you really should have three or four cash signings in place by now.
“I’m pretty sure it’s not down to Rafa Benitez not having targets or ideas. So it’s down to the managing director Lee Charnley and Mike Ashley to provide the funds and get those cash bids in place.”
It is understood that Benitez is keen to bring in a striker and the bulk of United’s money will bring in a goalscorer.
The Magpies missed out on Alassane Pléa, who signed for Borussia Monchengladbach yesterday and was paraded by the Bundesliga club after his arrival from Nice.
Martin would love fans to have a big name to get excited about.
Former Manchester United, Ireland and West Brom star Martin said: “What Newcastle really need this summer is a marquee signing.
“That’s what this city is brought up on with big summer arrivals like Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer at the time really capturing the imagination of the city.
“They must have money from the TV deal so any suggestions they are short or being careful really do cover up the cracks for me.
“The other worry is that some of the top players will go to the clubs in the Champions League or the Europa League so Newcastle need players who can see the place for the big club it can be.
“You can do that by signing more players.
“I agree on not paying silly money for wages.
“If the wage bill is set at £80,000 per week or whatever I suppose you have to draw the line somewhere.”
Martin still lives on Tyneside and plays a big part in the former player association.
But he feels that the lack of information coming from the club’s boardroom has been deeply disappointing this year.
He said: “Communication has been poor.
“Fans need to know from the managing director Lee Charnley or Mike Ashley what is going on.
“They pay their money for season tickets and deserve to be kept up to date.”
With Benitez still battling to get funds, Martin feels a repeat of a top-10 finish could be difficult.
He said: “It could be a big ask and that’s no disrespect to the current players who did so well last season.
“I think they have a brutal start to the season with Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal and Spurs all up in the first few games.
“It could be a tough season and I think they will stay up but be scrapping with eight or nine other teams in the bottom half again.”