The broader point is that Newcastle's wealth means that this entrenched position is threatened.
If Newcastle are added to the usual 6, it means 7 clubs fighting for 4 CL places - so at least three will always miss out, and that assumes no interlopers like us or Leicester as well.
Every year outside the top 4 is like a financial relegation for these clubs.
Going back to us - we have managed successive european qualifications and still have two routes in this year.
The club was able to stump up £180m gross on players. Qualify again, and who knows - they may be able to do it again. they should certainly be able to find another £100m-£120m without selling Rice.
The club made more money than AC Milan last year.
An astutely spent £150m will outrun a badly spent £400m.