Callum Wilson has joked Financial Fair Play has been 'switched back on' in response to the Newcastle United takeover. The Magpies have spent in excess of £200 million in two transfer windows, and the owners have outlined their intention to challenge for silverware and disrupt the 'Big Six'.
The backing of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has led to Newcastle being dubbed the 'richest club in the world'. However, FFP regulations prevent United from following in the footsteps of previous big spenders such as Chelsea and Manchester City.
Scrutiny on the finances of Premier League clubs has intensified in the wake of Newcastle's takeover, and a temporary ban on lucrative sponsorship deals was voted through by top-flight rivals in response. The spending power of clubs backed by nation states has been brought to the fore by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp ahead of his side's victory over City on Sunday.
READ MORE: Howe explains Joelinton substitution and intensity in build-up to trip to Spurs
Klopp named Newcastle as one of three sides in world football who 'can do what they want financially'. However, Wilson is adamant the club have not been 'splashing' the cash in the transfer market and cited the role of FFP.
He told The BBC Footballer's Football Podcast: "The club has been taken over, but ultimately it's not going splashing money left, right and centre every transfer window. You've got to do it in a controlled way, it's got to be structured and there's Financial Fair Play in place. Those clubs were spending big before Financial Fair Play came in, so they've got so much injected into their clubs already."
Co-host and West Ham United striker Michail Antonio then questioned whether FFP was still in effect, with Premier League setting a record spend of almost £2 billion this summer. Wilson responded to his fellow forward and hinted the regulations have reintroduced due to Newcastle's newfound wealth,
He added: "When we got taken over, they switched it back on again! Before that, it didn't seem real. It's hard for me to talk about finances of the clubs because they're businesses at the end of the day. It's probably not for me or managers to start getting into I guess."
READ NEXT
- Almiron 'feeling very good' and hails Eddie Howe for Newcastle United confidence
- Kieran Trippier tells of Newcastle United pride after hard-fought Everton win
- Newcastle United 1-0 Everton as Miguel Almiron wonderstrike extends unbeaten run
- Almiron tops Newcastle United ratings but plenty of teammates also impress
- Newcastle's new undroppable, glimpse of stadium's future and brutal Pickford welcome
