Newcastle United's Summer Transfer Window: One Signing, No Structure, What Next?

After a campaign which saw Newcastle United both clinch Champions League football for a second time in three seasons, and win the clubs first major trophy for 70 years- This summers transfer window was expected to be one of transformation and ambition.

Having lost first team players such as Elliot Anderson and prospects such as Yankuba Minteh without any replacements in the two seasons prior due to PSR restrictions, Newcastle were in need of reinforcements to continue their positive trajectory.

However, for a variety of different reasons, those reinforcements haven't materialised. With only three weeks left until the season opener against Aston Villa, only Anthony Elanga is through the door, viable targets are dwindling, and Newcastle now look set to lose star striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool.

Behind the scenes there appears to be a lack of direction and conviction, fans are becoming increasingly frustrated in a summer which was supposed to breed excitement for the future, and Newcastle United looks like a club in turmoil.

All of this breeds the question, Has Newcastle's Summer Window Collapsed?

How It Started

Newcastle's Vision and Game-plan

"Speed is Key, and I have reiterated that many times internally. We have to be dynamic, we have to be ready to conclude things quickly because good players don't hang around for long."

That was Eddie Howe's message at the beginning of this summer's transfer window.

It appeared to be both an admission of intent and a warning to those in the Newcastle United hierarchy of the task that awaited them.

It was well covered that, to address the weak points in both the starting XI and squad depth, Newcastle would likely need a Right winger, a back-up striker, a centre-back, a midfielder and possibly even a goalkeeper.

With the disappointments of the previous few windows, it seemed the Magpies had finally rid themselves of the PSR shackles and would have the available money to fund the next level of their project.

🚨 Newcastle have a feasible budget of £150m-£175m to spend BEFORE selling players.

[🗞️@MsiDouglas] pic.twitter.com/xKCim8fgfl

— Geordie Josh (@geordiejosh) July 2, 2025

Targets were set out- Joao Pedro, Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Liam Delap, James Trafford, Anthony Elanga, Dean Huijsen and more were all on the list as potential signings.

There was also a determination that the club would retain their best players.

Even with Champions League qualification, there appeared to be a predisposition that Newcastle would be under fire, from clubs already competing for titles at the elite standard, attempting to take their top talent. The aim was to dispel that and emit a 'we aren't just here to take part' mantra.

It is safe to say Newcastle were looking to be ambitious and set out their stall as a real top 4 contender for years to come.

The Early Barriers

Despite the ambition, it didn't get off to the greatest start.

Sporting Director Paul Mitchell, who had only joined the club a mere 12 months earlier, was announced to be leaving by mutual consent at the end of June. Not only that but the man who appointed Paul Mitchell, Newcastle CEO Darren Eales, also vacated his duties due to health issues.

🚨⚪️⚫️ Paul Mitchell leaves Newcastle from end of June.

“I'd like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley, the players, staff, owners and fans”. pic.twitter.com/bvp3YO6iQz

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 27, 2025

This left Newcastle in a weakened state considering their recruitment structure and provided some uncertainty around how the club would be guided through the transfer window.

Steve Nickson, Andy Howe and Eddie Howe himself were those reported to be taking up the recruitment duties heading into the long and arduous summer.

But would they succeed?

How It's Going

Now the background is laid out we can get into exactly why this topic has become so prevalent.

In short, Absolutely nothing has gone to plan.

The Rejections

To revisit the previously mentioned list of targets- Joao Pedro and Liam Delap chose Chelsea. Cunha and Mbeumo chose Man United. James Trafford ended up at Man City after Newcastle's slow movements allowed them to activate the buy-back clause in his contract. Dean Huijsen chose Real Madrid. Anthony Elanga is the only one who Newcastle were able to get over the line to this point.

🚨💣 EXCLUSIVE: Anthony Elanga to Newcastle, here we go! Deal in place club to club with Nottingham Forest for £55m.

Agreement also in place with player’s camp on long term deal. 🤍🖤

Excellent addition for #NUFC. pic.twitter.com/3Y6J90hFbe

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 7, 2025

In fact, Newcastle have had so many rejections this summer that they have been labelled 'Rejection FC' on social media... Not exactly the sort of label they'd have been looking for at the beginning of the window.

This issue stems from the awkward position Newcastle find themselves in as a club. Due to the current circumstance of the project, Newcastle are almost in a position where their current side is too good to go after players that clubs like Brighton and Bournemouth would sign- but not at the point in their journey where they can challenge the bigger sides for the players they need to propel themselves into the elite bracket.

The Isak Situation

As earlier mentioned, the plan was to make sure Newcastle's top talent stayed at the club. But, just like all of the rejections faced thus far, even that now appears difficult.

It had been known for some time that Liverpool had a keen interest in goal-scoring Swede Alexander Isak, but whether that speculation would turn into a saga during this transfer window wasn't yet clear.

That uncertainty very quickly became chaos.

What was reported as reasoning rooted in a broken promise around a new contract offer, alongside what Isak himself perceives as a lack of ambition shown in the transfer market, saw the striker ask to 'explore his options.

This was followed by a refusal to travel on Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia amid growing media noise surrounding his future, with a Liverpool bid edging ever-closer.

We’ve gone from a 442 with Ekitke and Isak to having neither of them and bringing in Ramsdale #NUFC pic.twitter.com/wMurhF43Gn

— Alfie⚫️⚪️ (@AIfieNUFC) July 28, 2025

As this saga began to unfold Newcastle looked to sign Hugo Ekitike. A move which was then hijacked by Liverpool themselves who went onto sign the former Frankfurt man.

That didn't however, deter them from also attempting to sign Isak. Whilst the saga hasn't necessarily come any closer to it's conclusion over the past few days- it now seems a Liverpool club-to-club proposal is imminent.

And if the comments made about Isak's stance are correct, Newcastle face either losing their player- or keeping an unhappy player at the club who could then have lasting impacts on the entire clubs morale going into next season.

The Plan Hasn't Gone to Plan

So, having said all of that, it is safe to say the plan hasn't actually come to fruition as Newcastle wanted.

The window so far has been plagued with disappointment, frustration and anxiety about what it may mean for the clubs ambitions next season.

A sentiment which has not only been shared by fans, but also manager Eddie Howe who appears to be becoming increasingly frustrated with the clubs situation and lack of business.

But, despite how underwhelming and at points humiliating the summer has been thus far, there is still time left to salvage their window and get back on track before the season begins.

How Can It Be Saved

The signing of Anthony Elanga is an undeniable positive. But it isn't enough.

If Newcastle United are to make this window even somewhat respectable come the Aston Villa game, a multitude of signings are needed.

Isak Saga Needs a Conclusion

First things first the Isak saga must be concluded one way or another.

At this moment, the outcome seems to be very reliant on whether Newcastle are able to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. If Sesko is signed the likelihood is Newcastle's 'not for sale' stance on Isak will loosen and possibly open the door for a move, with the magpies likely not wanting an unhappy player in the squad.

If Sesko goes elsewhere, Newcastle may look to block any move for Isak and hold onto him for another season.

Yoane Wissa as Back-Up Striker

Even with either Isak or Sesko in the squad, Newcastle's striker situation still won't be sorted and a back-up is still needed.

Yoane Wissa is currently the most viable option to fill that position, also offering versatility to play across the frontline.

Logging onto #NUFC twitter for the first time today to learn that:

- Isak is “desperate” to play for Liverpool
- Wissa deal is “complicated”
- Man United are in talks with Sesko
- Mackems have actually signed Xhaka

When does it end? 🥲 pic.twitter.com/tbiluhxD0o

— Magpie Media (@MagpieMediaX) July 28, 2025

The player has seemingly downed tools and is pushing for a move away but Brentford are maintaining their £50m+ valuation which, for a 29-year-old, marks a big sum and makes it a less than straightforward deal.

If Newcastle can reduce that price to around £30-35m, Wissa could be the perfect option to increase both quality, and squad depth.

Desperate need for Centre-Backs

A position which has fallen absent of attention due to the current Isak situation, centre-back marks a position which needs depth.

With Howe seemingly wanting to slot into a back three at times, alongside the obvious injury concerns around Sven Botman which has already reared its head in pre-season, a new face or two wouldn't go a miss.

🚨 Newcastle have a three-man shortlist for a right-sided defender:

🇮🇹 Nicolo Savona
🇮🇹 Giorgio Scalvini
🇪🇸 César Tárrega

(Source: @SkySports) pic.twitter.com/HKUaYgrNmY

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 17, 2025

A few names have been banded around including Marc Guehi, who caused so many problems with his saga last summer, and Giorgio Scalvini, the 21-year-old Italian from Atalanta.

Going into a Champions League season with only four established first team centre-backs, two of which have a worrying injury record, isn't good for any club so Newcastle will undoubtedly be hoping to strengthen before the end of the window.

A Midfielder to Lighten the Load

Last season saw Newcastle's midfield emerge as one of the best in the Premier League with Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali becoming a formidable trio.

The issue for the Toon Army is that behind those three, there isn't much in the way of game-changing options. With Sean Longstaff just leaving for Leeds, an injury-prone Joe Willock who has struggled to reach his best in recent times and young Lewis Miley are the only real options.

A young, versatile option who can both grow with the club but also has established senior experience would be an excellent acquisition for Howe's men and would see the floor of the squad once again raised ahead of next season.

A Ball-Playing Goalkeeper

Maybe a wish from Newcastle fans more than the club itself but the recruitment of a higher level goalkeeper may not go amiss either.

Nick Pope, despite being an excellent shot-stopper, has very limited ability with the ball at his feet and it feels like an area which Newcastle will need to upgrade soon if they are to push on.

The signing of James Trafford would have seemingly plugged that hole but after losing out on their man, the club will have to look elsewhere.

🚨⚪️⚫️ Aaron Ramsdale already said yes to Newcastle and official bid has been sent to Southampton.

High loan fee, salary covered and buy option clause. Southampton open to accepting but want higher fee.

Deal expected to happen. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/3NFkQeeMVg

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2025

The emergence of Aaron Ramsdale as an option has been reported today with Newcastle looking to do a deal with Southampton.

The speculation has been met with mixed emotions from Newcastle fans with some not believing Ramsdale raises the ceiling enough to warrant signing, and others stating that the Southampton keeper would be a welcome addition to the ranks.

Newcastle's Position Summarised

All-in-all it has been an exhausting summer to date.

Newcastle United have ultimately failed to put their stamp on this transfer window to anywhere near the extent they'd have liked and expected.

From the outside, It has been embarrassing at times to watch a football club at the magnitude of Newcastle blunder their way through dealings at a snail's pace and be out-performed at every turn by those around them.

If the rest of the window continues in the vein it has done thus far, not only will the club be plunged into a season of struggle with a squad not fit for the competitions they inhabit, but it will also put the undyingly passionate fanbase on edge about the precedent the club has set for future seasons.

The longer the current fiasco continues, the more jeopardy faced around the future of beloved manager Eddie Howe too. We are already seeing signs of unrest in the way he is addressing the media and the comments he is making and, if that continues, it would be naive to believe that Howe will have the patience to stick with a project which is struggling to reward him with the tools needed to continue its legacy.

There is still time to turn it around, but it has to start now.

If it is to change, there needs to be a structured approach, one with focus and intent. One which has the capacity to send Newcastle into the 25/26 season with a genuine chance of progress, but first and foremost, the ability to compete.

There has been so much to shout about at Newcastle United since the takeover project began. It now feels we are at a crossroads- Either standstill and set-back progress, or be ruthless and continue the upwards trajectory.