This is new stark reality – Paul Mitchell and Eddie Howe fighting with one arm tied behind back

Newcastle United’s ongoing battle against the established giants of the Premier League is anything but fair. Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell find themselves waging a fight with their resources and ambitions constrained, while rivals enjoy seemingly unlimited advantages.

This uphill struggle is no clearer than during the January 2025 transfer window and the subsequent defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The January transfer saga for Newcastle began with the club identifying Abdukhodir Khusanov as a key target. Eddie Howe openly confirmed that the young defender was lined up to join the Magpies.

However, due to restrictions tied to Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), Newcastle couldn’t finalize the deal. That hesitation allowed Manchester City to swoop in and sign the talented 20-year-old for £34 million, plus potential add-ons.

The player’s agent, Gairat Khasbiullin, even revealed that Newcastle had prepared everything for the transfer, only to see their plans derailed by financial constraints.

Manchester City’s capture of Khusanov highlighted the disparity between the two clubs. Newcastle’s inability to act decisively in the market contrasts sharply with City’s freedom to spend heavily, reinforcing their already dominant squad.

This financial imbalance became even more glaring when City went on to spend an astonishing £185 million in the mid-season transfer window, the second-highest amount ever spent by any club in January.

Among their acquisitions were Omar Marmoush (£70 million), Nico Gonzalez (£50 million), Khusanov (£34 million), and Vitor Reis (£31 million). These signings strengthened Pep Guardiola’s team significantly, giving them additional tools to maintain their dominance.

The impact of these signings was immediately evident during Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Newcastle. Marmoush, fresh off a sensational first half of the season with Eintracht Frankfurt, delivered a hat-trick that tore through Newcastle’s defense.

His explosive performance justified his hefty price tag and underscored the level of talent City can afford to bring in. On the defensive end, Khusanov played a crucial role in neutralizing Newcastle’s attacking threats, leaving players like Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon virtually invisible.

Meanwhile, Nico Gonzalez excelled in midfield, dictating the tempo and ensuring City’s dominance throughout the match. Vitor Reis, a £31 million signing, didn’t even need to take the field, further illustrating the depth City now possesses.

For Newcastle, the story was vastly different. Eddie Howe had no new first-team signings to work with, as financial restrictions left the club unable to strengthen their squad in January.

Instead, Newcastle focused on generating funds for future transfers, selling players to accumulate £31 million in hopes of reinvesting in the summer. This strategy, while pragmatic, left the current squad stretched thin and less competitive against the league’s top teams.

The defeat at the Etihad also highlighted the reliance on players Howe inherited when he took over in 2021. Eight of the sixteen players who featured against City were part of the squad before the club’s takeover.

Despite some investments in new talent since then, Newcastle’s spending pales in comparison to the “big six” and even other clubs like Aston Villa, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest, who have outspent Newcastle in recent seasons.

The disparity in resources raises an important question: what could Eddie Howe achieve if he had access to the same level of spending as his rivals? Under Howe’s guidance, Newcastle has defied expectations, transforming from a team on the brink of relegation to one competing in the upper half of the Premier League table.

His ability to work miracles with limited resources is a testament to his managerial prowess. However, competing consistently against clubs with far greater financial muscle requires more than just tactical brilliance; it requires equal opportunities in the transfer market.

While the defeat to Manchester City was disappointing, it also serves as a reminder of the broader challenges Newcastle faces. Losing 4-0 to one of the best teams in Europe is tough to take, but it’s not unexpected given the circumstances.

City’s ability to bolster their squad with world-class talent mid-season puts them in a league of their own, and Newcastle’s fans must recognize the context behind such results.

Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell remain committed to building a competitive Newcastle United, despite the limitations they face. The January transfer window might not have brought immediate reinforcements, but the groundwork has been laid for future signings.

As Newcastle looks ahead to upcoming fixtures, including matches against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, and Brighton, the focus will be on regrouping and maintaining their resilience.

The journey for Newcastle United is far from over. While financial disparities persist, the determination of the club’s management, players, and fans remains strong. With strategic planning and continued hard work, Newcastle can continue to defy the odds and build a team capable of challenging the Premier League’s elite.