It’s been a slow start to the summer for Newcastle United, with a host of Premier League clubs making early moves in the transfer window while we wait to see if Mike Ashley’s legal battle will lead to a Saudi takeover.
On the subject of EPL rivals strengthening, three players linked with moves to St James’ Park have secured new clubs in the past 24 hours.
Boubakary Soumare – the Lille midfielder who turned down a £35m move to Tyneside 18 months ago – has signed for Leicester, joining the Foxes for just £17m.
Elsewhere, reported loan target Billy Gilmour will spend the 2021/22 season at Norwich, with the Canaries announcing that the Scottish star had signed on a temporary deal from Chelsea.
Last but not least, Southampton have signed Romain Perraud – a £12m deal that comes just a few days after The Athletic confirmed we were looking to sign the Ligue 1 left-back this summer.
So, another £29m spent across the three clubs and two potential relegation rivals who’ve made a few more smart early moves, with Gilmour a great piece of business and Perraud believed to be one of the best full-backs in France last season.
It’s early days, with most clubs tending to do business across July and August, however it does feel deadly quiet at Newcastle United and as if the club are reluctant to any serious business until this never-ending Saudi takeover saga is sorted, one way or another.
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