Newcastle United are 15th in the Premier League with 34 points from 31 games, 10 points clear of the relegation zone and only three points adrift of the top-10.
Eddie Howe has been credited for his work in turning the club’s fortunes around in 2022, with six wins and three draws from nine games between late-December and mid-March. Frank McAvennie is tipping the Magpies for a strong summer of transfers to boost next season’s pursuit of a top-six finish.
Newcastle are one of the richest clubs in Europe following their takeover by Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media, enabling them to sign Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Bruno Guimaraes and Chris Wood in January.
McAvennie believes they spent well in the winter transfer window, which should bode well for their summer activities. He told Football Insider: “What a job Eddie Howe has done. I’m looking at them and I’m looking at the table.
“They beat Wolves last weekend and they are up there in eighth place. That’s where they will be competing next season. It’s going to be a big summer. I think four or five top-quality players will come in and make them even better.
“I honestly think they will have one eye on the top-six, Europe, that’s the aim. I can see it as well. It will have to be a good window but if what I’ve seen from their January business is anything to go by, they could do it.”
Newcastle would love to finish in a European spot next season, but it won’t come easy. They’ll not only have Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United for competition, West Ham United, Wolves and Leicester City may also be in the mix.
Newcastle have the resources to grow into a side that regularly competes in top European competition, but they have to earn the right next season by spending wisely.
