Why Newcastle became a Champions League contender and whether they can keep the level

Just a few years ago, Newcastle was considered a mid-table Premier League team, more often fighting for survival than for high positions. However, the arrival of new owners in 2021 and the appointment of Eddie Howe in November of the same year changed the club’s story. Already in the 2022/23 season, Newcastle FC finished 4th and qualified for the Champions League for the first time in two decades.

The road to a trophy and stability

In the 2024/25 season, the club took another step forward. Newcastle finished 5th in the Premier League, securing a spot in the Champions League. The main achievement, however, was the victory in the EFL (Carabao) Cup: on 16 March 2025 at Wembley, Newcastle beat Liverpool 2–1, with goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak. This triumph was the club’s first major domestic trophy since 1969 and a clear symbol of their rise.

 

Reasons for success

The key factors have been the financial support from the Public Investment Fund, smart transfers, and the work of the coaching staff. Recent signings — Bruno Guimarães, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Nick Pope, and Isak — strengthened the team and created a solid foundation. Eddie Howe’s tactical flexibility made Newcastle FC a difficult opponent even for the league’s giants.

Challenges and problems

Despite the progress, the club faces difficulties. The start of the 2025/26 season has been tough: after the first matches, Newcastle is sitting in the lower half of the table. Another issue is the future of Alexander Isak. In August 2025, he claimed the club broke promises and expressed his desire to leave, attracting strong interest from Liverpool. Losing their key striker could seriously weaken their attacking potential.

Prospects

Can Newcastle keep their level? Yes, if they continue to develop their infrastructure, make the right transfer decisions, and avoid squad crises. The club already has a domestic cup victory, a return to the Champions League, and a solid management base. However, competition in the Premier League is incredibly intense, and the fight for a top-four spot will demand maximum consistency.

Thus, the story of Newcastle is an example of a rapid transformation from mid-table team to a European contender. But to stay at this level, the club will need to overcome new challenges, including squad problems and pressure from rivals.