Newcastle United are out of every competition and they sit in 10th spot in the Premier League, but they should look to end the season on a high and secure European spot next season.
After taking the Magpies to the Champions League last season, the 2023-24 campaign has been a fall from grace. Many pundits like Richard Keys have even suggested that Eddie Howe should be replaced, and Jose Mourinho should be hired.
However, the Magpies retain strong faith in Howe and they believe he is the right man to take the club forward. According to Sky Sports journalist, Keith Downie, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) are also in alignment with the British owners who are strongly backing Howe to succeed.
Downie says that there is a “family feel” behind the scenes at Newcastle, and the Saudi investors trust the judgement of the British-based owners.
What Keith Downie has said about Eddie Howe’s future at Newcastle
He said to Sky Sports: “The Englishman has the backing of the British-based owners and they believe Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund are aligned with their thinking. Until now, there has been no reason to doubt that.
“There has always been the question of how quick to act the Saudi owners would be if things started to wane but it feels as though they trust the judgement of the British-based owners.
“There is a family feel behind the scenes at Newcastle, despite the imminent departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth to rivals Manchester United.”
This has been a tough season for the Magpies but anything less than a European spot will be seen as a massive downgrade from last season.
Newcastle have been very unfortunate with injuries and recruitment this season. Sando Tonali, who joined from AC Milan for £55m, has missed almost the entire season for gambling suspension.
Harvey Barnes, another summer signing, has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are seen as players for the future, and all four signings have managed only 17 games between them this season.
Howe has lost key players like Joe Willock, Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, Joelinton, Nick Pope, Darn Burn and now Lewis Miley for the major part of the season, and couldn’t rotate the squad properly. At one point, he fielded the same starting line-up for five games in a row, which shows how bad the situation was back in November and December.
The real concern lies in the club’s plans for the summer. They do have money to spend but the Magpies could be forced to trim down their budget due to Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
Moreover, there are suggestions that the Magpies may have to sell some of their prized assets to fund the move for new arrivals. Nevertheless, it appears that the club believe that Howe can turn fortunes around next season. But if the situation remains the same next season, they might let him go.
