Confirmation of Champions League football means it is going to be a very exciting summer transfer window for Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe is now looking for players who can compete at the highest level, joining a Newcastle team that has exceeded expectations this season.
The Magpies have massively overachieved, but Champions League qualification is no less than what they deserve for an astonishing campaign.
It has been a season to remember, with a top four finish meaning the owners’ project is now ahead of schedule. They were looking for a steady rise up the Premier League table, yet it has only taken one full season to reach the promised land and qualify for the Champions League.
The owners have been careful not to overspend since they bought the club from Mike Ashley, but now Champions League football could change things.
Newcastle now set for game-changing transfer window
According to the Athletic, a senior source within the club has told them that Champions League football is ‘game-changing’ for the club from a financial perspective. It will allow them to ‘move outside’ of their current financial fair play restrictions.
FFP has been a constant concern for Newcastle ever since the change of ownership. It has been a fine line between spending big to get top players and not overspending so that the club is punished.
It was an issue in January when Eddie Howe wanted reinforcements, with the club inevitably gambling that the squad was strong enough.
That has proven to be the case, and means that there will be more money available for the summer transfer window.
While it is not all about spending the most money, UCL football means Newcastle can attract better players and can splash more cash due to the increased revenue.
It is going to be a game-changer on and off the pitch. Newcastle have signed some really exciting players over the past 18 months, and that is almost certainly going to continue this summer.
Transfer windows are suddenly exciting again for Toon fans, and this summer’s could be the best one yet.