According to Eddie Howe, Newcastle have "massively over-achieved" this season and will need to make significant summer purchases in order to equal it next year.
The Magpies' 0-0 draw with Leicester on Monday night ensured a top-four finish ahead of Sunday's final-day trip to Chelsea, securing their return to the Champions League after a 20-year absence.
That is a big improvement over the club's initial goal for the season, and to guarantee they can compete on all fronts, their Saudi-backed owners will need to make more investments this summer.
Ask me in a few months, head coach Howe said when asked if he was looking forward to that task. I'm not sure if you look forward to it, but for us, the dynamic will have shifted.
I believe we have significantly outperformed ourselves this year compared to where we were at the beginning of the season.
Since Amanda Staveley's group acquired Mike Ashley in October 2021, Newcastle has already spent more than £250 million on players in three transfer windows. While they have made wise purchases and been highly rewarded, Howe is aware that the work will get harder.
This summer, they will shop in a different market than the 45-year-old would have thought. Declan Rice of West Ham and James Maddison of Leicester are two players that the club has long been interested in, and both are expected to leave this summer. However, Rice in particular will have a lengthy line of suitors, some of whom have even deeper wallets.
Howe responded to the question of whether "marquee" players would be on his wish list by saying, "Yes, there would be players we'd love to bring in that would be classified in that bracket, I'm sure."
Whether that's seen favorably or as a big signing, wonderful. For me, it's more about the function they can fulfill in the club.
As much as I'd like to, the key is to identify the guy who, in my opinion, strengthens our team and places them in the proper position.
Despite Newcastle's newfound affluence, Howe has made a point of emphasizing during his tenure that the club must continue to make wise investments and that unrestrained spending is simply not an option.
Unfortunately, athletes are not cheap, especially talented players, he remarked. Yes, we will need to make some financial sacrifices. That amount is unknown to me.
Even though I'm still unsure of my budget at the present, spending will be necessary. It will need to be managed. We have operated under and will continue to operate under FFP limits, therefore it will be necessary. They undoubtedly have an effect on us and our future options.
As a result of hand surgery, Howe will also be missing goalkeeper Nick Pope at Stamford Bridge, joining the injured Jamaal Lascelles, Javier Manquillo, Matt Ritchie, Joelinton, and Joe Willock.