(Credit: Imago)

James Murray

Mon 23 March 2026 17:15, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle United could have beaten Barcelona if they signed one “big player” in the January transfer window. 

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider he is “puzzled” by the Magpies’ reluctance to strengthen their squad.

Newcastle put up a strong showing in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona, drawing 1-1 at St James’ Park.

However, Eddie Howe’s side were beaten 7-2 in the second leg at Camp Nou, resulting in an 8-3 loss on aggregate.

Newcastle could have signed players in January to provide more depth for the second half of the season, but club chiefs admitted they were unable to find the right deals. 

Why Newcastle ‘undercooked’ January spending

Newcastle have struggled for consistency recently, having claimed six wins from 14 games since the January window closed.

Meanwhile, the Magpies were beaten 2-1 by rivals Sunderland on Sunday (22 March), seeing them drop to 12th in the Premier League table. 

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed Newcastle’s situation following their recent form.

“Well, first of all, I think they undercooked January for whatever reason,” said Borson.

“I thought it at the time and it’s been borne out by a pretty disappointing January. They have pretty much blown the league situation by not having a good enough squad.

“They’re out of the FA Cup because of the City game and they’re now out of the Champions League in a difficult game, but is there an argument that if they’d had one more big player that they could have got through this time? I would say yes.” 

How Newcastle missed Champions League opportunity

Borson suggested Newcastle missed an opportunity to progress into the latter rounds of the Champions League after deciding against strengthening in January.

“Barcelona away is a very difficult game, but they could easily have won that first leg convincingly,” said Borson.

“If they’d have got through the tie, of course they’d have been playing Atletico Madrid or Tottenham. Very winnable games, and then they could have been in the semis. 

“I am still slightly puzzled by the reluctance to play ball in the January window, but fair enough, that’s what they chose to do.”

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

The north-east giants spent more than £250million on six new additions, but Howe’s side have gone backwards on the pitch this season.