Eight games in and Newcastle’s summer signings still look like a mixed bag.
There was barely any investment at Newcastle this summer, with the club ending the transfer window in profit.
Seven new names came in (including two that were here last season), filling the gaps left by players that were sold.
So after eight Premier League games, how are the new signings doing?
(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Martin Dubravka: A
The Slovakian stopper was a revelation last season, and his picked up where he left off.
Dubravka is a leader in the squad now, and looks more of a bargain after every performance.
Kenedy: D+
Kenedy was sensational last season, but it’s yet to really happen this time out.
His season can be summed up by the game against Cardiff where he escaped a red then missed a last minute penalty. However, he looked much improved against Manchester United where he scored his first goal of the season.
(Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Ki Sung-Yueng: E
A free agent from Swansea, we’re yet to really see much from Ki. The midfielder sounded like a great partner for Jonjo Shelvey, but he’s yet to get the chance to play alongside him.
Ki played in defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea, but barely touched the ball.
Fabian Schar: D-
Another player who has barely had a chance.
Schar impressed in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, but did concede the contentious penalty.
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Salomon Rondon: C
The Venezuelan initially looked like a great signing, but fitness issues have slowed his progress.
Rondon has scored once so far for Newcastle, finishing neatly in the Carabao Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest. When he’s fit, Rondon should prove to be a fine acquisition.
Yoshinori Muto: C+
Muto scored his first Newcastle goal on his first Premier League start against Manchester United.
While chances have been limited, you can’t fault the forward’s appetite. Muto looks a lively player who can do well for Newcastle, providing he toughens up a bit.
(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Federico Fernandez: A
Our best piece of business alongside Dubravka. Fernandez immediately shone in black and white, becoming another leader at the back alongside Jamaal Lascelles.
The Argentinian has barely put a foot wrong since joining, and might even keep Florian Lejeune out of the team when he eventually returns.