“Transformative” is a certainly a new buzzword of the modern game. It’s the type of window all clubs appear to strive for, and one Newcastle fans have been promised since the takeover.
As we all know, the transfer window is never allowed to simply close, it must “slam shut”. As it did so at 7pm last Monday (unless you complete certain aspects and then you’re allowed a few extra hours), it is becoming very apparent that the summer was indeed transformative. Time will tell if it’s in a positive way.
The old adage of two things can be true in a debate feels very relevant to all things Newcastle United at the moment. We do have a stronger squad than we started the summer with, we have made some potentially superb signings, and the owners did brilliantly to finish the window strongly after a difficult summer. There is also the reputational damage after several ‘rejections’ from big name targets, and of course losing one of the world’s best strikers to a club we aspire to emulate.
The Isak saga has left us all emotionally bruised, but sometimes bruised egos can produce the best results, and if PIF have any self respect, they should learn from it. Despite all the postering and adamancy the they wouldn’t sell, they effectively played chicken with a juggernaut, and got crushed.
Naivety and arrogance however, are easier obstacles to overcome than incompetence. Looking at some of the decisions and situations since the spring of 2024, it’s hard to know which have been at play.
In addition to the ongoing impasse on new training ground and stadium developments, and a lack of sponsorship deals to maximise income, the last 15/16 months off the pitch doesn’t make for good reading.
Staveley and Ghodoussi leaving seemingly brought all communication to a temporary standstill, which has seen a return the Mike Ashley days of the manager being the face and voice of the club on all matters. Then came the disastrous appointment of Paul Mitchell, a summer long and ultimately unsuccessful public pursuit of Guehi, no signings, selling Anderson and Minteh. And then, after the most successful season in years thanks to our elite coach and brilliant squad, entering such a crucial window with a huge vacuum of leadership above Eddie Howe has felt amateurish and negligent at best.
It’s frankly a minor miracle, that as a result of that list of failure and mistakes, the club hasn’t slipped back into mid-table obscurity.
Yet, here we are, somehow, still in remarkably fine fettle. About to embark on another CL campaign with a squad and manager capable of delivering another top five finish, and with plenty of another new buzz phrase, “PSR headroom.”
In truth, PIF have massively got away with one, kept firmly on the realistic cusp of taking the next step to being an elite club by a brilliant manager and squad. It is a lifeline and an opportunity that they simply can’t afford to waste.
This week has seen a step in the right direction with the appointment of a seemingly elite CEO in David Hopkinson, whilst Nottingham Forest’s highly rated DOF Ross Wilson is expected to be announced very soon. New contracts for Botman, Livramento and Tonali have been briefed, but actions speak louder than words. Securing these players, as well as being ready to take a running jump at January is non-negotiable.
There appear to be some big changes coming to PSR, which would explain the seismic squad overhauls those clubs currently benefiting have done this summer.
The economic growth will be the biggest challenge in the corrupt world of PSR, but more dynamism when it comes to negotiating transfers is sorely needed, as is “creative accounting”.
What has been truly remarkable, has been the change in narrative from certain journalists and outlets. After spending the best part of nearly four years telling the world that our owners embody everything wrong with the modern game, they are now criticizing PIF for being too safe, too compliant, not pushing the envelope, and effectively being encouraged to financially dope. If they were to do so, we can all predict the outrage.
A fascinating season is upon us on and off the pitch, one that will probably determine the next few years. Who knows, it may just be transformative.
HTL.
There was no ‘playing chicken with a juggernaut and getting crushed’, don’t be daft. Unless your another obsessed and insecure plastic Lpool fan?? Every club says player x isn’t for sale, but all of them are really, it’s simple negotiation tactics. Just like the so-called £150m price tag the club never actually mentioned. They got a double money, £130m British record fee FFS 😂😂😂
The rat forced the issue with nuclear level disgraceful behaviour, not many players even in 2025 would go that far
And while the new CEO and DOF will be welcome additions I hope fans don’t think they will be difference makers when it comes to beating the cartel to players, because they won’t be – only wages at cartel level will do that. That’s the real difference when you target the same talent
East Stand(Quote)
£130 million for Isak plus not paying his Loyalty Bonus of £20+ million is effectively £150million which was the touted (by the pundits) but never stated (by NUFC).
Colin(Quote)
This article is very laughable. Well done
Kye(Quote)
For a club that is supposedly in crisis we look very healthy right about now!
There is always far too much made out of situations at Newcastle with reactions way over the top creating needless drama!
The Newcastle hating media create the narrative and a lot of our fan base are quite happy to oblige like performing seals!
X.Y,WHY,MAN.(Quote)
Time will tell if this window is transformative.
Wissa with his premiership experience has to hit the ground running.
Woltenmade is only potential for the time being.
Is Jacob Ramsey any better than Elliott Anderson which is debatable.
It could be argued that Aron Ramsdale is as good as Dubravka but younger.
Elanga has a lot to prove based on Murphy’s performance last season.
Thiaw was an essential cover for Schar but we don’t know how good he is.
How trustworthy will our new CEO and DOF be as our record in that area is not great.
Joseph(Quote)
Spot on mate, best comment on here for weeks. Sums the whole situation up perfectly
East Stand(Quote)
This was written by a sunderland fan ..no? 😂🤡🙈
Mike(Quote)
chiikawa puzzle game is simple to learn but tricky to master. Every piece disappears after placement, testing your memory while rewarding you with cuteness.
ryan(Quote)
It’s gonna be ok, Geordies. We survived Mike Ashley. Back in the UCL where we belong … and a trophy in the gag plus PSR head room. It’s actually gonna be ok. New CEO in as well … I still remember the bitter taste of being in the Championship still. Newcastle is inevitable. Tricky start to the season but Eddie will figure this out.
RoguishBabel(Quote)