Newcastle United’s impressive performance this season under the guidance of Eddie Howe has got fans dreaming of a return to the Champions League. The team’s recent win against Tottenham Hotspur has put them in third place in the Premier League, five points clear of Aston Villa who are in fifth place.
With only a few games remaining this season, Newcastle could be well on their way to securing a spot in Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 2002/03. This is all thanks to the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s takeover in October 2021, which has seen the club avoid paying extortionate transfer fees.
However, the club’s owners are reportedly ready to invest in the squad this summer with an expanded fixture list in mind. The Sun reports that if Newcastle secures a top-four finish, Howe will be given a transfer budget of £150 million to spend on new players.
One of the top transfer priorities for Howe is believed to be Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney. The 25-year-old Scot arrived at the Emirates from Celtic for £25 million ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, and has been a consistent performer for the Gunners ever since. However, with Oleksandr Zinchenko currently filling in as the first-choice left-back for Arsenal, Tierney’s future at the club is in doubt.
Newcastle could be the perfect destination for Tierney, with Howe keen to bring in a specialist left-back to bolster his squad. The Scottish international would be a significant signing for Newcastle, who are also reportedly eyeing Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby and former Leeds man Raphinha from Barcelona.
In addition, Newcastle is also reportedly lining up a double raid on Turkish side Fenerbahce to sign Arda Guler and Ferdi Kadioglu. With these potential signings, Howe’s side could have the depth and quality required to compete at the highest level.
Newcastle’s next two games could prove crucial in their bid to secure a top-four finish, as they take on Everton and Southampton, who are both battling relegation. If they can maintain their recent form, Newcastle could be on their way to a historic season and return to the Champions League.
