Only Eddie Howe will know if he truly believed Newcastle United could qualify for the Champions League last season.
Appointed as the manager of the Magpies three months into the 2021/22 campaign, Howe dragged the club away from the depths of the division to secure an 11th-placed finish. The January signings of Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier undoubtedly played their part in easing relegation fears, though this was an impressive turnaround nonetheless.
Further additions to the squad last summer, notably Sven Botman and Alexander Isak, continued the theme of Newcastle's new-found pulling power coming to the fore. Liverpool had been linked with both of the aforementioned players in recent times and the pair have proven to be inspired purchases. That trend could again continue as the Geordies close in on the £70m signing of AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali, raising the question of how challenging it could prove to ensure Newcastle do not become a side constantly competing at the top of the table.
