Jose Enrique insists Newcastle United will "stay in the division comfortably", but warned they must spend to move up the table.
Magpies supporters have entered the season with low expectations as owner Mike Ashley has once again failed to inject money into the first-team squad.
Manager Steve Bruce has so far only signed Joe Willock from Arsenal.
Newcastle forked out £25m to sign the Englishman after he starred on loan during the second half of last season.
Willock saluting Newcastle supporters before the West Ham match
Conversely, a number of players have departed St. James' Park, including Florian Lejeune and Christian Atsu.
An opening day defeat to West Ham United has done nothing for the confidence amongst the Toon faithful, but former Magpies left-back Enrique is adamant they will avoid relegation.
Speaking to TribalFootball.com, on behalf of NetBet, Enrique said: "Like it was last season, making sure they stay in the league.
"Newcastle have been like this for a long time, and we can see that Mike Ashley doesn't want to spend the money.
"He did when I was first at the club, but it doesn't seem that way now and hopefully he can sell to someone new.
"They've only signed Joe Willock when they need a lot more coming in to compete, but I don't believe he will spend the money.
"Obviously, he's the owner and it's not my money to spend, but you want to see more for Newcastle.
Bruce has his work cut out for him this season
"I think they will stay in the division comfortably and if they finish in the top 10 then that will be a great season for Newcastle."
Newcastle will be looking to bounce back this weekend in a tough away trip to Aston Villa.
With two weeks to run in the transfer window, Bruce has reassured fans that he is still hoping to add to his squad.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Bruce said: "We're all looking. We're delighted that we've been able to bring Joe Willock in but we'll never stop looking.
"We always want more as managers and coaches but as we stand we're exactly where we were and if we can add a little bit more to it then we'll try.
"My job is to improve us, so all over the pitch we look at so that's what we'll try and do."
