Former Newcastle United cult hero Nobby Solano believes the club should be looking to challenge for European football next season.
The ex-winger has been speaking to the Chronicle about the future of the club, which is looking much brighter these days.
The Magpies lost their last couple of Premier League games, but are currently in a fairly healthy position in the league table.
The club sit 14th with 31 points, which has them nine clear of the relegation zone.
Eddie Howe has come in and done a tremendous job so far.
It was tricky when he first arrived, but in 2022 so far, things have been much improved.
The club may have made five new signings. But Howe has had a real impact on several stars who had lost their way under Steve Bruce.
Hopefully, Howe can steer the club to safety. Then, it will be a very exciting time with the first summer transfer window since the takeover.
Some people are already starting to look to next season, with there being lots of different opinions about what would constitute a successful first full campaign under the new owners.
In the eyes of Solano, the club should be aiming to secure European football.
He told the Chronicle: “It’s never easy to get into the top six but these days we know seventh place gets you a Europa Conference League spot and that should be a little target for the lads next season. We know the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man United, Man City and Tottenham will be eyeing the top spots.
“After that, you are looking to join the next group, the likes of Leicester, Wolves and Aston Villa. “You look at the table now and Newcastle are only five points off the top 10 now. So with investment in the summer they can definitely start talking about the top half again.”
Europa Conference League would be a great achievement by Newcastle
Newcastle getting into the Europa Conference League at the end of next season would be some going. It is a competition that some don’t hold in high regard. But at the end of the day, it’s a European competition.
It is certainly something to aim for. Especially if there is some strong recruitment this summer, which there is likely to be.
Realistically though, Newcastle finishing in the top 10 should perhaps be the aim going into next season.
Newcastle are looking to survive this term. So a logical next step would be to try and break that top 10.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
