What Newcastle have begrudgingly accepted about their stars… and how they could change it

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Newcastle United did not strengthen their starting XI at all during 2024.

The January transfer window did not result in any arrivals, with Newcastle United opting against signing Kalvin Phillips. He had been the top target, but Toon officials decided it was not worth the financial hit.

That proved to be a good decision, as June 30th showcased that Newcastle already had a massive financial shortfall as they almost failed to comply with PSR. The Magpies sold Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson, while Dan Ashworth’s move to Manchester Untied was finalised. It was a tough situation, and it would have been even more challenging had the club done business in January.

Then came the summer, which was dominated by Newcastle failing to sign Marc Guehi. Paul Mitchell did not make any major signings during his first transfer window as sporting director, while it looks like PSR is going to cause more problems for the Toon chief.

What Newcastle think PSR will force them to do this summer

Newcastle’s hope of progression is being hindered by PSR, as it puts pressure on the club to become better sellers.

But while it would be ideal if fringe players could be moved on, the more likely outcome is that one of Eddie Howe’s major names will need to leave.

That is according to the Daily Mail, who report that Newcastle are now starting to accept that they will have to sell one of their ‘big names’ due to PSR.

This comes after Bruno Guimaraes was linked with Manchester City, while there has been constant speculation about the futures of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

What could prevent Newcastle from having to sell a star player in 2025

However, the Daily Mail add that one thing could prevent Newcastle United from having to cash in on one of their superstars.

That is Champions League qualification.

Getting back into Europe’s elite competition would reduce the need for someone like Bruno or Isak to be sold, as it would mean more money coming into the club. It would also make those players more inclined to remain at St James’ Park, as there is no denying they have the quality to play in the Champions League year after year.

However, that will be tough for Newcastle. Eddie Howe’s side are currently 12th in the Premier League, six points behind Manchester City in fourth.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	14	11	2	1	29	11	18	35
2	ChelseaChelsea	14	8	4	2	31	15	16	28
3	ArsenalArsenal	14	8	4	2	28	14	14	28
4	Man CityManchester City	14	8	2	4	25	19	6	26
5	BrightonBrighton	14	6	5	3	23	20	3	23
6	FulhamFulham	14	6	4	4	21	19	2	22
7	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	14	6	4	4	16	16	0	22
8	Aston VillaAston Villa	14	6	4	4	22	23	-1	22
9	B’mouthBournemouth	14	6	3	5	21	19	2	21
10	TottenhamTottenham	14	6	2	6	28	15	13	20
11	BrentfordBrentford	14	6	2	6	27	26	1	20
12	NewcastleNewcastle	14	5	5	4	17	17	0	20
13	Man UtdManchester United	14	5	4	5	17	15	2	19
14	West HamWest Ham	14	4	3	7	18	27	-9	15
15	EvertonEverton	14	3	5	6	14	21	-7	14
16	LeicesterLeicester	14	3	4	7	19	28	-9	13
17	Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace	14	2	6	6	12	18	-6	12
18	IpswichIpswich	14	1	6	7	13	25	-12	9
19	WolvesWolves	14	2	3	9	22	36	-14	9
20	SouthamptonSouthampton	14	1	2	11	11	30	-19	5

In truth, it is going to be extremely difficult for the Magpies to get into that top four ahead of the likes of Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool.

That could lead to an unsettling summer on Tyneside, as the club continues to be held back by the Premier League’s ridiculous financial rules. The big boys get stronger, while those below them are forced to get weaker as the status quo remains.