It does not take a genius to suggest qualifying for the Champions League could unlock doors for Newcastle United.
Not only would the club’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) situation alleviate somewhat, being able to offer potential recruits the chance to play in Europe’s elite competition would obviously be a big bonus.
If Newcastle are going to hit the next level as quickly as they have shot up the Premier League thus far, that feels particularly crucial.
Indeed, when linked with the likes of Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, not playing in Europe could make such a deal difficult to pull off.
Chelsea now unlikely to sign Victor Osimhen
That is something Chelsea may well soon be finding out.
The Nigerian, who has hit 26 goals in 33 games this season, has been touted as a target for the Blues and Manchester United.
Still, according to the Evening Standard, the former Lille forward – reportedly valued at as much as £132m – is now unlikely to move to Stamford Bridge.
They claim Osimhen is admired by those in west London but he is unlikely to join a team not playing in Europe.
The doors are opening for Newcastle
Whether or not Newcastle actually sign Osimhen, it’s clear that doors could soon be opening for the club.
Nobody expected Eddie Howe’s side to make such big strides in such a short amount of time. To potentially compete for players of that stature speaks to a team who have defied expectation all while boasting a truly exciting future.
Get over the line in the hunt for the Champions League and Newcastle are in a different world. Osimhen may go elsewhere but it won’t be because they can’t offer him a truly exciting project.
That, at this stage, is all you can ask for.
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