Eddie Howe has addressed the Premier League vote that saw clubs opt against a ban on loan transfers between associated clubs.
Thirteen Premier League teams voted to stop England’s top-flight clubs from making loan deals between affiliated sides in the upcoming January transfer window, with seven voting to keep the existing rules in place. A majority of 14 is required to pass new rules.
The vote came amid concerns regarding Newcastle’s ownership, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – who own Newcastle – holding a 75% stake in four high-profile Saudi Pro League sides, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal.
The ruling means Newcastle are free to loan players from those clubs in January and the Magpies have been linked with Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves, who moved to the Middle East from Wolves in a £47m deal last summer.
Howe was questioned on the ruling and defended Newcastle’s position, with each of the Premier League clubs involved in the decision.
“You say Newcastle were favoured but it was a Premier League vote,” Howe said at his pre-match press conference ahead of the club’s clash with Chelsea.
“We’re not the only club involved in that vote. I think the majority of the Premier League and other clubs around the world [benefit] so it’s not solely on us, I don’t think.
“Newcastle, our club, had a view. We voted in a way, a way that we’re allowed to, and the vote came out on the side that it did.
“I think just from my dealings with it, we’re very relaxed on it. It’s not the be-all and end-all for us.
“We’ve got a squad that we really like. Now if we get players fit before January then the need to recruit will become much less intense for us.”
