(Credit: Imago/Getty Images)

Jack Heath

Thu 7 August 2025 13:08, UK

Newcastle are not deemed one of the big Premier League fish according to one ex-Chelsea footballer after a frank assessment of the club.

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It’s been heartbreak after heartbreak for the Toon this transfer window as they continue to miss out on key targets.

The likes of Bryan Mbeumo went to Man United as well as Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool as the north east club continue to be rejected.

To add to their growing list of knock-backs, it is looking increasingly likely that RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko will join Man United in another gut-wrenching blow for Eddie Howe.

Even with winning the League Cup and securing Champions League football, many prospective candidates are turning their noses up at the Magpies.

A rough pre-season for Howe (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Speaking on talkSPORT (6 August), former Tottenham and Chelsea defender Jason Cundy gave an honest stance on a reason why the Toon’s transfer activity has gone so wayward.

The retired centre-back said: “It does feel as though, even though you [Newcastle] got Champions League football, you are not one of the big dogs, unfortunately.

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“It’s hard to take I’m sure but when you look at teams like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, other teams that have historically have had more success, recently as well, in the game than Newcastle.

“Even though they’re [Newcastle] a big club, but they’re not a big dog big dog.”

Cundy making an honest statement that the Magpies are not a “big dog”

Football Insider verdict

Given the doom and gloom around St James’ Park currently, the former Bournemouth boss must rally his troops to boost team morale.

Looking at the positives, they ended their long wait for a trophy last season and also will be back in the big time in Europe’s best continental competition.

Moreover, for now, the club has managed to hold on to star striker Alexander Isak despite prying eyes from Liverpool.

Newcastle Premier League 2024-25Wins20Draws6Losses12Points66Goals for68Goals against47Position5thTyneside will want a repeat of last year’s outing (Source: Sofascore)

If the Swede does stay and rekindle his relationships with his teammates and manager, another 25-goal season could be on the cards as he would likely want to perform to bag a big move the follow summer.

Selfish intentions from the number 14, indeed, but Howe can capitalise on his forward’s personal ambitions to propel them to the upper echelons of the league.

The English manager is known for dealing efficiently and effectively with conflict at clubs and now is a critical time for the ex-Cherries head coach to revive their season aspirations.

A statement campaign is required to turnaround the narrative that the Magpies are not a “big dog” of the English top-flight.

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