The Toon began the season with a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham and Benitez is known to be unhappy about a lack of spending in the transfer market this summer.
Club owner Mike Ashley gave a rare interview at the weekend when he admitted he cannot and will not compete with “countries” – his view on the way clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain are financed.
And former St James’ Park midfielder Barton believes that will inevitably lead to a parting of the ways.
He said on Kick Off: “Newcastle is a great club, but the owner causes a lot of problems.