How Newcastle United currently feel internally about their transfer situation ahead of deadline day

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The hope was that the Newcastle United evolution would continue this summer.

While there was never going to be wholesale changes at St James’ Park, the belief was that Newcastle United would make a couple of major signings that would improve Eddie Howe’s starting XI and hopefully take the team to the next level.

With just over a week to go before the transfer window closes, that is yet to happen. Lloyd Kelly has joined on a free and will be a great squad player, while Will Osula adds depth in attack and has been brought in because of his potential.

The two main priorities were a right-sided centre-back and a right winger, and they remain the priorities as August 30th looms. Neither position has been addressed, although there is hope that Newcastle are close to an agreement for Marc Guehi.

He would be a landmark signing, but a deal will not be celebrated until Guehi is pictured in a black and white shirt at St James’ Park. Until then, fans will remain fearful.

Newcastle United feeling ‘calm’ despite making no major signings this summer

However, that is not the situation behind the scenes at Newcastle United.

That is according to iNews, who report that Newcastle are ‘calm’ internally with regards to their transfer situation.

That is good news, as the last thing Newcastle need to do in the transfer window is panic. That is when mistakes are made, and that is not something that the Magpies can afford to do in the era of PSR. Every transfer must count, and that is why Toon officials are taking their time to get the right deal.

But Paul Mitchell will know that he is up against the clock, and there will be a sense of urgency to get deals done before August 30th.

Newcastle and Paul Mitchell must be judged on August 31st

Calmness will prevail, and it hopefully ends with Newcastle United making a couple of signings before the transfer window closes.

The pressure is on Paul Mitchell to deliver that, and it is his first real test since becoming Newcastle’s sporting director. He was hailed for his recruitment following his arrival, but has only made one signing since joining the club.

Of course, there is the pressure of trying to sign players that improve a starting XI. He is not looking for squad options – he is trying to source players that would definitely get into Howe’s team and can help the club challenge for a place in next season’s Champions League.

There is the added complication of transfer fees, with so many lesser players moving clubs for crazy money. When you look at £30million deals for Amando Broja and Eddie Nketiah, you have to have sympathy for Newcastle’s transfer situation.

But while there should be sympathy, there will also be judgement. However, that judgement should come when the transfer window is closed and the dust has settled.

Come August 31st, we can dictate whether or not this has been a good summer transfer window for Newcastle United. Right now, it has not, but there is still time for that to change.