Rafa Benitez said his current squad is not good enough for the Premier League -- a call seemingly reinforced by a minister of Parliament, who has presented a petition to the House of Commons in protest of owner Mike Ashley.
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and winger Kenedy, who both arrived on loan last season, will return to the club, but Newcastle have otherwise mostly shied away from the transfer market this summer.
Benitez has been at odds with Ashley since the club won promotion to the Premier League last summer, chiefly over transfer policy and a reluctance to invest in the club.
"Is the current squad good enough for what we need? I don't think so," Benitez told reporters following a 2-2 away draw against Hull City on Tuesday. "It needs additions. That is clear. It is clear what we have to do."
Newcastle added Ki Sung-Yueng on a free transfer from relegated Swansea City, but sold defender Chancel Mbemba to Porto and Mikel Merino to Real Sociedad and may also lose Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was sent on loan to Fulham last season, to a permanent move.
"I am speaking with [managing director] Lee Charnley every day, but not with [Ashley]," Benitez said. "Normally, during the year, I do not speak with him too much. In this case, I talk with Lee Charnley every day.
"The main thing is to do what we have to do. I do not have to speak to Mike."