Exclusive: Newcastle on verge of £24m loss in new blow to Eddie Howe

Newcastle United are on course to lose more than £24million in prize money following their dip in performances this season, sources have told Football Insider. 

Eddie Howe’s side have endured a challenging campaign, having won just two of their past eight Premier League games. 

Newcastle qualified for the Champions League after finishing fifth in the top-flight table last season, earning them £160.2m in prize money. 

However, the Tyneside club currently sit 12th following their disappointing performances over the past few months. 

Crystal Palace earned £136.1m in Premier League prize money for finishing 12th last season, meaning Newcastle are set to lose £24.1m if they fail to improve on their current position in the table. 

Why Newcastle are facing questions about their transfer strategy

Newcastle’s transfer strategy has been questioned after their summer signings have largely failed to make an impact at St James’ Park. 

The Magpies spent around £240m on new additions, with Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa, Jacob Ramsey and Malick Thiaw arriving through the door. 

Newcastle broke their transfer record on signing Woltemade in a £69m deal from Stuttgart, but he has struggled in front of goal lately, having failed to get on the scoresheet in the Premier League since December. 

The Germany international was brought in alongside Wissa to replace striker Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool in a £125m deal. 

However, the pair have scored just 13 goals combined this season, leading to them both being unused substitutes in the 1-1 draw against Barcelona on Tuesday (10 March). 

Why Newcastle still have plenty to play for this season

While Newcastle appear to have gone backwards on the pitch this season, there is still plenty to play for at St James’ Park. 

The draw against Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie provides Howe’s side with a chance of reaching the quarter-finals of the competition.

The Magpies head to Camp Nou to face the Catalan giants in the second leg next week, where a victory will see them take on Atletico Madrid or Tottenham in the next round.

Newcastle’s immediate focus, though, remains on the Premier League. 

The north-east giants are preparing to take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (14 March) as they look to move up the top-flight table and back into European contention.