"Clubs who spend the most on wages have traditionally picked up the most points per game. But both Newcastle and Sunday's opponents Aston Villa have bucked that trend in recent years with the eighth and sixth-biggest salary bills in the top flight respectively. Newcastle qualified for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025, while Aston Villa followed suit in 2024. Both are bidding to do so again this season and Howe's men could move up to fourth with a victory against third-placed Villa if results elsewhere go their way."
"It is worth noting Newcastle's net spend on new signings last summer was 100m-plus, but they sold star striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British transfer record fee of 125m. Targets such as Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, James Trafford and Benjamin Sesko also opted to join Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United respectively rather than move to St James' Park. Although Newcastle are majority owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, legacy clubs - also including Arsenal and Tottenham - have the ability to spend more within the rules on account of their superior income streams. Analysis from financial firm Deloitte revealed Liverpool generated 367m more in revenue than Newcastle last season, and Howe recognised his side have "a long way to go" on that front."
Newcastle and Aston Villa have achieved strong league positions despite being outside the very top wage spenders, with Newcastle qualifying for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025 and Villa in 2024. A Newcastle victory could move them to fourth depending on other results. Manager Eddie Howe insists the team must think differently, focus on winning on the pitch and upset the status quo rather than rely on spending. Newcastle invested over £100m in signings last summer but sold Alexander Isak for a British-record £125m, and several transfer targets chose other top clubs. Revenue differences remain significant, with Deloitte noting Liverpool earned £367m more than Newcastle last season.
Read at www.bbc.com
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