Newcastle United could be forced to sell star players amid potential financial punishment

Newcastle United are under financial pressure once again as UEFA are set to clamp down on the Magpies for another financial breach.

Since the Saudi takeover in 2021, Newcastle United have endured a rollercoaster ride both on and off the pitch.

While Champions League participation and a Carabao Cup triump have given fans exceptional highs, it's been a constant battle behind the scenes to keep the club out of trouble from a financial perspective.

Financial restrictions may lead to Newcastle United having to sell Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and more

Supporters in the North East have already seen Elliot Anderson sold to balance the books, only for him to then become one of the most exciting talents in the Premier League.

There is a chance Anderson could return to Newcastle this summer, but that will only happen if other big name players leave the club.

Now, it sounds like the Magpies won't have much of a choice in that regard, as a report from The Times suggests Newcastle could be in hot water with UEFA once more.

That's because Newcastle sold St. James' Park, ranked at No.8 in FourFourTwo's list of the best football stadiums in Britain, to a sister company.

Premier League rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa did the same to find a way around Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) restrictions and avoid a points deduction, but those plans have now backfired.

UEFA do not allow the sale of assets to sister companies, which means Newcastle could now be facing a multi-million pound fine. Chelsea were ordered to pay £27m for the same thing, while Aston Villa had to pay £9.5m.

In FourFourTwo's view, this latest punishment could push Newcastle to parting ways with top players like Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon in the summer.

It is thought Arsenal are willing to pay £75m for Gordon, while Tonali's agent admits big clubs are "very likely" to approach the Italian.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano earlier this week, Manchester United are keen on Tonali, while Manchester City could beat Newcastle to Elliot Anderson, too.

Sandro Tonali is currently valued at €80m by Transfermarkt, while Gordon is worth €60m. Newcastle United's next game is an away day at Crystal Palace as Premier League action returns on April 12.