29 December 2023 , 11:59
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Jamie Carragher does not believe that Newcastle can break into the group of sides who compete for the Premier League title over the next decade.
Newcastle have made huge strides since being taken over by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in October 2021. Under the management of Eddie Howe, the Magpies finished fourth in the Premier League last season to secure a place in the Champions League.
European football brought glamorous games against Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, but also increased demands. The huge workload has made an impact, with injuries mounting, an exit from Europe and a run of poor results in the league following.
Howe’s side are ninth in the Premier League and have lost six of their past seven matches in all competitions ahead of a difficult match at Anfield on New Year’s Day. Carragher believes their dip in form was inevitable and has stuck by his prediction that a Premier League title is a long way off for Newcastle.
He wrote for The Telegraph : “No matter how much money the Saudi owners wanted to spend, there was never going to be a repeat of Chelsea in the immediate aftermath of the Roman Abramovich takeover, or Manchester City under Sheikh Mansour. The profit and sustainability rules do not allow it.
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“Just after Mike Ashley sold up, I wrote in this column that I could not foresee a Newcastle Premier League title within 10 years. That may have looked like an underestimation by last summer. I stand by it. Howe exceeded immediate ambitions without a Chelsea or City transfer budget.”
Eddie Howe has endured a difficult time recently with Newcastle (Richard Lee/REX/Shutterstock) HAVE YOUR SAY! Can Newcastle challenge for the Premier League title in the next 10 years? Comment below.
Carragher thinks that, after exiting the Champions League in the group stages, a realistic goal for Newcastle would be a top-six finish. Newcastle’s squad has been stretched thin by a raft of injuries and the club are understood to be keen to sign a goalkeeper, midfielder and forward in January if possible.
But Howe knows doing so won’t be easy, due to financial constraints and the nature of the mid-season window. Asked if there was money available, he said: “No, we haven't had those assurances. I think it's a difficult month, as we always say when January comes around. It’s a very difficult month to bring in quality players. Financial Fair Play continues to play a part in our decision-making so let's wait and see."
Newcastle are trying to sign Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City, while they have also been linked with a short-term move for free agent David de Gea after Nick Pope suffered a shoulder injury.
“This season is tough in a different way,” Howe added. “That doesn't mean you can't be successful and you can't achieve what you want to. We've had a few knocks, this month in particular has been difficult to take. Things have just gone against us.”