I understand the surprise in the UCL can happen to any club. But, my assumption is, with Newcastle's current strength, they still need time. It's not about their financial or the rich club, but about their chances of bringing in players who have a winning mentality in the UCL. That's why I say, maybe not for now, until they can win the EPL, then it will be easier for Newcastle to really able to compete in the UCL. We'll see PSG, with their financial strength and also the quality of their players, they can't be champions yet, the same thing can happen to newcastle. Well going to round 16 is look make sense, but we have to see in the group phase
Anyway, if Newcastle are aggressive to bring in players who have a winning mentality, then i'm sure that Newcastle can get it. But unfortunately, so far Newcastle are not too aggressive to bring in players who have more experience who are also more qualified. But, that does not mean Newcastle must first win the Premier League title to bring in players with such criteria. Because the most important thing is, atleast Newcastle can play well in the Champion League, it seems it is also enough to get quality players to accept offers to play at Newcastle. But yes, let's look forward to what results Newcastle will get in the Champions League next season, because of course the hope is to qualify for the last 16 or maybe also the quarter finals.
I hope I am not wrong but I believe Newcastle United is a kind of new entry in the Champions League region in recent times. The performance that they have shown in the English Premier League was obviously incredible. But to perform well in the Champions League they will have to bring in new and better players.
I absolutely agree with @hahay that Newcastle United is not going aggressive in the transformer market. At least not so far. If they do not get aggressive they will not be able to win matches in the Champions League in crucial times. I don't think that performance is going to be great for them in the Champions League, to be honest. And by that I mean they are not going to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.