Newcastle United’s hopes of securing a top-four finish took a hit on Sunday night as they narrowly lost to Arsenal, dealing a blow to their Champions League aspirations.
The defeat confirmed Arsenal’s position as Premier League runners-up while leaving the battle for the remaining European places wide open. With just one point separating third and seventh place, the final day of the season promises a thrilling one.
| Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
| 1 |  |
36 | 25 | 8 | 3 | 83 | 37 | 46 | 83 |
| 2 |  |
37 | 19 | 14 | 4 | 67 | 33 | 34 | 71 |
| 3 |  |
37 | 20 | 6 | 11 | 68 | 46 | 22 | 66 |
| 4 |  |
37 | 19 | 9 | 9 | 63 | 43 | 20 | 66 |
| 5 |  |
37 | 19 | 9 | 9 | 58 | 49 | 9 | 66 |
| 6 |  |
36 | 19 | 8 | 9 | 67 | 43 | 24 | 65 |
| 7 |  |
37 | 19 | 8 | 10 | 58 | 45 | 13 | 65 |
For Newcastle, Champions League qualification is key, not only for their summer transfer plans but also in shaping the futures of key players.
One name heavily linked with a move to St. James’ Park is Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Newcastle could make a move for Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has revealed that the Magpies are seriously monitoring the Republic of Ireland international ahead of a potential summer swoop.
Kelleher has been ‘outstanding‘ for the Liverpool team, playing a key role as deputy to Alisson Becker under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.
He has stepped up impeccably whenever called upon and has produced top-class performances.
He has also been the hero for Liverpool in their domestic cup wins over the last few years. However, with limited playing time and the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer, Kelleher is expected to leave Liverpool.
It has been previously reported that the Toon have been wanting to upgrade on Nick Pope since last summer and that Newcastle are very interested in signing Kelleher.
Alexander Isak’s situation remains complicated for Newcastle
While incoming transfers are on the agenda, Newcastle also face a significant challenge in keeping hold of star striker Alexander Isak.
Bailey explained that the Swedish forward’s situation is not very simple.
There is a lot of interest in the 25-year-old. Several Premier League clubs including Arsenal are linked with Isak, while Liverpool have also been linked with Isak.
Even if Newcastle secure Champions League football, Bailey believes the conversation around Isak’s future is far from over. He explained: “Everyone thinks that if Newcastle finish in the top five, that’s the Isak conversation done. But from what I’m told, that’s where the conversation begins—it’s all about his contract.
“Newcastle fans will point out that he’s under contract until 2028 but as we know in modern day football, it’s not as simple as that.”
Isak, currently tied to the club until 2028, is reportedly seeking a new deal with a pay rise that reflects his growing status.
According to Bailey, the Swede is not among Newcastle’s highest earners and is earning less than fellow striker Callum Wilson. He added: “He needs to be paid like a world-class striker. He’s currently on less money, for instance, than Callum Wilson and he’s not one of Newcastle’s highest earners at the minute.
“I think Newcastle missed a chance last summer when they should have done it. They chose to renew Anthony Gordon instead at the time. So we’ll see what happens there.”
