Their problem is epitomized by the Trippier signing, IMHO. On the face of it, he's a really good signing, being a current England player, experience in Spain, blah, blah...
But why has he come to a club in the middle of a relegation battle? Seems to me that it's win-win for Trippier, but not so hot for the mags. He gets PL wages and exposure which will help with a move if they go down (Wasn't me, guv. They were bottom three when I arrived) and a step up to a better club if they do survive (What a job I did, helping Newcastle stay up).
If they had half a brain they'd let Howe build something from the ground up, like he did at Bournemouth, but with a big head start in terms of cash. But they won't. They all think being the next PSG is in the bag and all they have to do is spunk Johnny Arab's cash up the wall. Bad theory if you ask me and it'll soon be time to lock up your horses if you're anywhere near the Toon on match day...