The transfer window shut at 11pm last night with Newcastle failing to add any further players on deadline day, however, they did manage to move a couple of players on.
Federico Fernandez was the only player to leave on a permanent deal, heading off to Elche CF late in the window. Youngsters Lucas De Bolle and Kell Watts joined Hamilton Academical and Peterborough United respectively on loan deals. Matty Longstaff moved on to League Two Colchester United until January while Martin Dubravka joined Premier League rivals, Manchester United on loan.
The move taking Dubravka to Manchester United has many clauses which could see a few different outcomes. We have a recall clause in January should we need it and Man United have an option to buy which becomes an obligation to buy if certain criteria are met. It seems, however, that Dubravka has played his last game for the Magpies. At least in his mind. Leaving a lengthy farewell message to the club and the fans on his social media.
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On the incoming side, it was a quiet deadline day, but realistically it was always going to be a difficult day for the Magpies. They’ve struggled all window to get their preferred targets, so it was unlikely to change on the last day.
That being said, we can’t be disappointed with the business we have done. Bringing in Nick Pope has been a stroke of genius. The big man in between the sticks has proved his worth already. Signing Matt Targett on a permanent deal had to be done after his performances last season and he’s already replicating the same kind of form, which is rare for Newcastle when they bring back loanees. Sven Botman has adapted to the English game brilliantly and is unrivalled in the air winning all of his aerial duels so far.
Now The Transfer Window Is Shut, Where Do Newcastle Finish This Season?
Europe, baby!
Top half
Mid-Table
Relegation
And of course, we can’t forget our record signing; Swedish international, Alexander Isak who was thrown in at the deep end at Anfield and showed that he is ready for this league by facing down one of the best defences in the league and scoring twice on his debut. Even if one was chalked off for the tightest offside ever.
While it might not be the super-spending some fans were expecting/hoping for, the squad has been measurably improved and added to the fact that Howe is getting the best out of players already on the books we are lightyears ahead of where we were twelve months ago.
Given this is only the second transfer window of the new project, I’d honestly say we’re ahead of schedule. We aren’t far from competing for European places which was meant to be a few years down the line. If we can avoid another injury crisis like the one we currently have, I see no reason why we can’t sneak a European spot this season. And if we don’t, so what? It was never meant to be this soon.