Newcastle United can dream of huge signings such as Enzo Fernandez in the summer if they qualify for Champions League football, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Magpies spent Christmas Day in third place after an incredible start to the Premier League season which saw them lose just one game before the World Cup break, and Eddie Howe’s side can start dreaming about European qualification.
Fernandez, who was the Young Player of the Tournament as Argentina won the World Cup in Qatar, has a €120m (£105m) release clause, with Liverpool and Real Madrid reportedly interested in a summer move, but if Newcastle qualify for the Champions League, Hones believes they could throw their hat in the ring.
With investment from owners PIF, the club have already made huge signings in Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak, but could fully announce themselves as a footballing powerhouse if they can bring Fernandez in.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones said: “Newcastle could come into this conversation of being a Champions League club by the end of the season.
“And that’s even more of a reason for them to keep striving to make that top four because everything changes once you do that, and they can then start to dream of signings like Enzo Fernandez.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle and Fernandez…
Given the interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool in Fernandez, the Benfica midfielder may be just out of Newcastle’s reach this summer, but Jones’ overarching point stands true.
Newcastle were already established as one of the biggest clubs in England, and now with the progress of the current team, the increased funding from the owners and an increasing number of stars at the club, it is easy to see how they are quickly becoming an attractive destination for top players.
If they do secure a first Champions League qualification since 2003, we think they will be able to attract an even higher calibre of player and secure a regular spot in the top six for years to come.