Newcastle are reportedly staring down the barrel of a hefty fine from UEFA as the club fears a financial rule breach. The Magpies became the latest English club to sell their stadium to a sister company, helping them avoid a Premier League points deduction under the profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).

They followed in the footsteps of Premier League rivals Chelsea, who took the same approach to circumvent the PSR restrictions. However, much like Chelsea, as well as Aston Villa, Newcastle are expected to face the wrath of UEFA, as the European governing body has slightly stricter rules.

UEFA don’t allow the sale of assets to sister clubs, meaning Newcastle could be handed a fine in the millions as a result of the financial breach, according to The Times. Chelsea were forced to pay a whopping £27million, while Aston Villa had to fork out £9.5m under settlement agreements with UEFA.

It hasn’t been the trophy-laden rise to success many had hoped for following the Saudi Arabian acquisition of Newcastle in 2021. Their growth has been restricted by PSR and other financial regulations, which could see Newcastle forced to sell some of their biggest stars in the upcoming transfer window.

It comes amid speculation surrounding the futures of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, both of whom have been linked with transfers away from St. James’ Park. Tonali is reportedly a target for Manchester United, with the 20-time champions said to be contemplating a formal offer when the window opens.

United will be on the lookout for midfield reinforcements, given Casemiro is set to leave the club following the expiration of his contract this summer. Fellow Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes had been mooted as a potential replacement, but it appears United are keen to push forward with Tonali as their number one target instead.

Gordon was previously linked with a move away from Newcastle in the summer of 2024, with boyhood club Liverpool said to have been the most interested at the time. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool reignites their interest, but it’s likely to be another frustrating summer for the Newcastle faithful.

Last year was dominated by a ‘will he, won’t he?’ saga involving Alexander Isak, who eventually penned a £125m deal with Liverpool. While insiders at Newcastle maintained it was strong business for a player who was into the final two years of his contract, supporters were disgruntled that they’d been backed into a corner and had to sell arguably their best player.