A summer transfer window like no other has come to an end for Newcastle United.
It’s been a bruising few months for the club, there is little doubt about that. Newcastle missed out on some high-profile transfer targets, while star player Alexander Isak got his wish to leave after forcing the club’s hand.
Still, it certainly hasn’t all been bad. Newcastle have signed six players, adding some crucial strength in depth to their squad in a Champions League season.
Owners PIF, however, have taken a lot of criticism. The jubilation of winning the Carabao Cup feels a very long time ago now.
After a dramatic few months, Geordie Boot Boys looks at the winners and losers from Newcastle United’s transfer window.
- READ MORE: Newcastle United issue brutally blunt official statement as Alexander Isak to Liverpool confirmed
Winners
Alexander Isak
Isak is the obvious place to start. He’s been keen on a move to Liverpool for months but, at one stage, it looked as if Newcastle were ready to block that.
Ultimately, however, player power won out – and the same has to be said for Yoane Wissa after he ironically forced a move to Newcastle from Brentford.
The Sweden star has his dream move, having gone to great lengths to secure it. His reputation on Tyneside is in tatters but, frankly, it’s hard to imagine he cares an awful lot about that.
Sadly for Newcastle, Isak was so intent on joining Liverpool that it almost had to happen.
Nick Woltemade
On the flip side, Newcastle did break their club record to sign Nick Woltemade.
Woltemade was linked with Bayern Munich but would have had the unenviable task of competing with Harry Kane for a starting berth.
Instead, he took a risk to move to the Premier League. It’s a huge move for a relatively untested player, but one that has changed his career.
Obviously, Woltemade still has a lot to prove but he can really cement himself as Germany’s No.9 ahead of the 2026 World Cup next summer if he can convince while on Tyneside.
Eddie Howe
It’s hard to imagine Eddie Howe being particularly delighted about losing Isak, especially after the circus his self-imposed exile caused.
However, the Newcastle United manager now has some brilliant depth in his squad. Woltemade and Yoane Wissa are two compelling options at striker, while Anthony Elanga has already dislodged Jacob Murphy in the starting lineup.
Malick Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey and Aaron Ramsdale also strengthen the Newcastle United squad.
Howe’s side look a lot more prepared for a Champions League campaign as a result.
Losers
PIF
The Newcastle United owners ended up caving on Isak, which is not a good look.
There have also been suggestions that players have been put off signing for Newcastle because of PIF’s project.
Certainly, they have frustrated fans this summer. Isak’s behaviour did force their hand somewhat, but it does not explain their painfully slow decision-making at executive level.
Sometimes, you have to take the rough with the smooth. PIF’s takeover has been transformative for Newcastle, so to start lamenting their processes seems somewhat ungrateful.
However, they are clearly not above criticism and questions do need to be asked.
Newcastle United fans
The Newcastle United fans have been put through an awful lot this summer. From high-profile rejections to the glee in which certain onlookers appear to have taken from reporting on the Isak saga, it’s not been easy on the supporters.
They, of course, will continue to back their team. There is no question about that.
It has, however, been a bruising summer for fans – particularly those who are actively online across various social media platforms.
Hopefully, Isak’s burning desire to leave was purely an isolated case.
William Osula
Spare a thought for William Osula, too.
Osula looked set to join Eintracht Frankfurt on deadline day but the deal collapsed and he will remain on Tyneside as a result.
Now, the Danish U21 international has to compete with Wissa, Woltemade and even Anthony Gordon for a starting berth under Howe.
That cannot be good for his development, while Frankfurt would have offered a fantastic environment in which to grow.
The German club have helped Luka Jovic, Sebastien Haller, Ante Rebic, Andre Silva, Randal Kolo Muani, Omar Marmoush and Hugo Ekitike become big-name strikers.
Sadly for Osula, that opportunity has been denied for now.
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