Newcastle United were dealt a setback in the race for Champions League qualification on Saturday.
While Newcastle United were third in the Premier League heading into Sunday’s fixtures, the battle to stay in at least the top five is tight.
Aston Villa thrashed Newcastle 4-1 on Saturday to move two points behind them in the Premier League table.
Though this has already been an historic campaign for Newcastle following the first Carabao Cup win in their history, reaching the Champions League would be the icing on the cake.
Newcastle could earn £17million for qualifying for the Champions League, while it would also no doubt help convince their top players to stay long-term.
Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali are just two of the big names touted for an exit. Liverpool want to sign Isak, while Juventus are interested in Tonali.
It’s important to say that neither look to be pushing for a move and not reaching the Champions League doesn’t necessarily mean they’d leave St James’ Park.
Still, former Newcastle winger Matt Ritchie believes it could be crucial.
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Ritchie left Newcastle last summer and rejoined boyhood club Portsmouth, who are closing in on safety in the Championship.
Though he was reduced to a bit-part role as the Eddie Howe era progressed, the former Scotland international trained and played alongside both Isak and Tonali.
Asked about what reaching the Champions League could do for the club by Sky Sports on Saturday, Ritchie said: “What I think it will do is give the football club a real opportunity to try and persuade some of the boys that potentially are linked with moves away that the team are moving in the right direction.”
Sandro Tonali has already sent Newcastle United a warning
Newcastle want to keep Tonali and the idea of Juventus being able to afford him right now seems somewhat remote.
Isak’s huge price tag could also prove prohibitive to any suitor seriously looking to try and buy him.
Newcastle are in a strong position, though there is little doubt that being able to offer them – as well as any potential new recruits – the allure of Champions League football would strengthen their hand even further.
Tonali has warned the Newcastle squad they have to qualify for the Champions League and he’s right, letting it slip from here would be negligent.
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