Newcastle United are currently closing in on a Champions League spot which could be absolutely crucial to the club’s plans next season.
First and foremost, Newcastle are determined to keep Alexander Isak at the club, and whilst that’s currently looking very likely, Champions League football might make any conversations even easier.
Of course, playing in Europe’s top competition will also help the club’s PSR concerns long-term, as well helping Newcastle attract some big names to the club this summer.
Newcastle are yet to make a big splurge since Paul Mitchell’s arrival and there should be funds available this summer, especially if future Champions League income is secured.
With four games to go, Newcastle’s destiny is in their own hands, especially considering that they will welcome Chelsea to St James’ Park on GW36.
| Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
| 1 |  |
34 | 25 | 7 | 2 | 80 | 32 | 48 | 82 |
| 2 |  |
34 | 18 | 13 | 3 | 63 | 29 | 34 | 67 |
| 3 |  |
34 | 19 | 5 | 10 | 65 | 44 | 21 | 62 |
| 4 |  |
34 | 18 | 7 | 9 | 66 | 43 | 23 | 61 |
| 5 |  |
34 | 17 | 9 | 8 | 59 | 40 | 19 | 60 |
| 6 |  |
33 | 18 | 6 | 9 | 53 | 39 | 14 | 60 |
Newcastle are having doubts about Johan Bakayoko
That being said, with a view to improving Eddie Howe’s attacking options moving forward, Newcastle have long-term interest in Johan Bakayoko at PSV Eindhoven.
Newcastle sold Miguel Almiron to Atlanta United in January and Bakayoko was being earmarked as a potential replacement.
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However, Give Me Sport are now reporting that Newcastle are doing something of a U-turn on Bakayoko, even if they were considering a bid a few months ago.
According to the report, influential figures at Newcastle are now second-thinking whether the Belgium international would be able to make an immediate impact at St James’ Park.
Bakayoko has experienced a relatively slow season at PSV, netting 12 goals in 44 appearances and it would appear that Newcastle are being put off somewhat.
In the past, Bakayoko had a £51m price tag and when considering the form of Jacob Murphy this season, it’s an expensive figure for a player who might not even prove as an upgrade.
Should Jacob Murpy be replaced?
In truth, finding a player to go beyond Murphy’s output this season could prove incredibly difficult.
Murphy has perhaps been the most understated performer in the Premier League this season, scoring nine goals and proving 13 assists.
It’s long been thought that Newcastle needed to find the last piece of the puzzle to join Anthony Gordon and Isak in their front three, but on current evidence, Murphy deserves to keep his spot.
Bakayoko is still an exceptional talent when it comes to cutting inside on his left-foot in a similar vein to Arjen Robben in the past — something Murphy can’t do.
But otherwise it would almost seem a risk to lose Murphy’s industry and enthusiasm from Howe’s starting side, even if Newcastle could do with an addition for their right-wing.
