Experience in is huge boost this season -

SHOLA Ameobi admits that qualifying for the Champions League in the 2025/26 season was absolutely vital for Newcastle United in order to keep the club firmly on the European map.

- By LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle writer [e-mail] @lee_ryder

This summer has been a struggle in terms of transfers in many ways, but the ability to wave a Champions League ticket at the likes of Anthony Elanga and now Malick Thiaw arguably helped get both stars through the door.

Ameobi would love to see another centre-forward signed up in good time for the opening Champions League night in September but, regardless of this summer's Alexander Isak storm, the former star feels the club are in a good place again.

Ameobi said: "It is just another step in the club's evolution. I think ultimately the aim is for us to bring in the best players, but to do that, you need to be in the best competitions.

"That is just how it goes. But to also keep the best players, you also have to be in the best competitions.

"For me, it is exciting to experience that again. It is two years now since we have played in it, but gosh what a ride that was. We are all excited and I feel like we will be a lot more prepared to two years ago."