Shay Given says what every Newcastle fan is thinking after Lloyd Kelly's transfer

Tom Weber

Updated: 3 Feb 2025 21:14 GMT
3 min read

Eddie Howe, Lloyd Kelly, Newcastle — © IMAGO

Shay Given has expressed his disappointment with Newcastle's transfer window after no signings were made while several players departed.

The Magpies offloaded two first-team players before Monday's deadline, with Miguel Almiron returning to Atlanta United in MLS and summer signing Lloyd Kelly joining Juventus.

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The first deal flushed €9.6 million into Newcastle's coffers, while Kelly's move is initially a temporary deal with a €3.8m loan fee. It is thought that there is an obligation to make the transfer permanent in the summer with a total package worth €20m.

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Additionally, fringe players Isaac Hayden and Alex Murphy left on loan for Portsmouth and Bolton, respectively. Not a single player was brought in to replace the outgoings.

It was an underwhelming January window for the St. James' Park club brought about by perennial concerns over Profit and Sustainability Rules. Despite seemingly having limitless funds due to their Saudi backers, Newcastle are hamstrung in the market.

Given frustrated with Newcastle business

In the wake of Kelly's exit, Shay Given gave voice to the sentiment in Newcastle's fanbase, with the former goalkeeper expressing his frustration at the current financial regulations that prevent the club from fully utilising their resources.

“When I heard there was breaking news from Newcastle, I was off my seat! It’s frustrating – we’re the richest club in the world but there seems to be a block on getting players in," he told Sky Sports.

"This could have been an opportunity to go and compete to win the Premier League. The finances are there but they are having to balance the books with the sales of Almiron and Kelly.

"I was at [Man] City when the takeover happened there and it was player after player coming in and they shot up the Premier League. Newcastle fans are frustrated.”