Champions League qualification is absolutely pivotal for Newcastle United.
The Magpies are on the cusp of a top five finish, which would bring Champions League football back to St James’ Park.
Newcastle are on the brink of Champions League qualification. If they can beat Chelsea on Sunday, they will only need to win one of their two remaining games.
That will then open multiple doors for Eddie Howe’s side, as it will result in more money coming into the club. Newcastle United will be able to attract better players, and they will have more money available to buy them.
But if Newcastle miss out, there will be a fear that they need to cash in on one of their top stars to stay on the right side of PSR.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty ImagesGary Neville admits PSR ‘problem’ for Newcastle United
That is a situation that multiple Premier League clubs find themselves in, with Gary Neville admitting that the need to comply with PSR has become a ‘real problem’ for teams like Newcastle.
“PSR and sustainability has become a real problem for these clubs,” he said on the It’s Called Soccer podcast.
“The success next season of Man United, Tottenham, Villa, Forest, Newcastle, City, Arsenal, Chelsea is heavily dependent on this £50, £60, £70, £80million that they get depending how far they go in the Champions League.
“It’s become almost like do or die. It’s desperation. There are cliff edges being created across football.”
Newcastle want to take advantage of other clubs’ PSR position
In 2024, Newcastle United had a PSR nightmare.
Newcastle sold Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson, as they scrambled to avoid a penalty.
Their financial situation meant that two extremely talented youngsters had to go. Newcastle’s only other option was a points deduction, which PIF did not want.
Fast forward to 2025 and Newcastle’s PSR position is better.
In fact, the club are hoping to be on the other side of the coin this year. Newcastle could make signings before June 30th, with the club potentially capable of taking advantage of any opportunities that present themselves.
On possibly signing players from clubs with PSR problems, Eddie Howe recently said: “The PSR deadline plays a huge role for clubs – both those clubs with PSR issues and those without – because those without may potentially look to try to sign players.
“They will look to take advantage of other clubs, as clubs did to us last year, quite rightly.
“It’s a really interesting dynamic and one that we’re very aware of and that we’ll try to use to our advantage if we can.”
Of course, Newcastle’s own financial position will be influenced by whether or not they qualify for the Champions League.
Their hope is to become Champions League regulars, with PIF wanting Newcastle United to be an elite club that is always challenging alongside Europe’s best sides.