Newcastle United cannot compete with the Premier League elite for superstar signings but can still challenge at the top end of the table, according to former winger John Barnes. The Magpies need to strengthen Eddie Howe's squad before the season starts, having seen Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali leave the club.
Barnes: Newcastle face 'impossible' task for superstars
Ex-England international Barnes, who played for both Newcastle and Liverpool, told Betfred: "It's impossible for them to compete with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United." He added that while the club have money and are a big club, they are not yet at the stage where they can attract top-tier talent.
Newcastle hope to bring in at least three more first-team players before the September 1 deadline, having already signed Ewen Jaouen, Bazou Toure and Sean Steur. A goalkeeper remains a high priority, along with full-back options, and potentially another striker and midfielder.
Fans told not to worry about exits
Barnes urged fans not to be overly concerned about players leaving. "No, because what Newcastle are doing is what Newcastle have always had to do," he said. "This happens with a lot of other teams too, but if stars want to leave then they're going to leave. However, they can get players in because they've got money and they're a big club."
He pointed to the club's recent history: "Their owners have come in and given them stability, so the fans need to remember the times when they were being, and almost getting, relegated." Barnes emphasised that the club must work within their means rather than expecting to spend freely due to wealthy owners.
Newcastle can still compete
Barnes believes Newcastle can still finish between eighth and fourth in the Premier League. "They can still compete to finish between eighth and fourth and if they want to go any higher than that, then they're going to have to go with a different approach."
He also highlighted the club's ability to develop players for profit: "What they can do is buy the next Sandro Tonali and the next Anthony Gordon. Newcastle have done a good job of buying players for a fee and selling them for much more than they paid."
Newcastle's summer business so far includes three signings, but more are expected before the window closes. The club are targeting a goalkeeper, full-backs, and possibly a striker and midfielder to bolster Howe's squad.
