History will say 7 October 2021 was the beginning of Newcastle United's new era of ambition, but really this summer is the start line. The summer window has afforded Eddie Howe access to fresh transfer funds, improved backup to plan and negotiate key deals in the form of Dan Ashworth and time to identify targets and secure them.
Last season Newcastle became dangerously tangled in a serious relegation battle after a shocking winless start to the Premier League, this season they have ambitions of disrupting the top half of the table and challenging for a cup. The outlook couldn't be brighter.
New players in and old players out have been the catalyst for the injection of optimism. Eddie Howe has reinforced the backline in the form of Nick Pope, Matt Targett and Sven Botman. With old guard players moved on such as Isaac Hayden, Freddie Woodman, Jeff Hendrick, Ciaran Clark and Dwight Gayle who have all departed either permanently or on loan with a view to permanent.
In terms of permanent outgoings, Newcastle could be more or less done for the season. Younger players might move on loan between now and September with an element of flexibility perhaps needed for older fringe players like Javier Manquillo, Jamal Lewis, Karl Darlow and Matt Richie.
Incomings has been a source of frustration with no movement since the marquee signing of Sven Botman in late June. Lack of cover and options out wide and up front are sources of concern for many supporters with Howe reassuring them that work is on going to strengthen those areas.
Meanwhile, midfield links continue as we enter the final few weeks of the summer window. It's a good time to reflect and take stock of the deals done for players coming in and going out of the club.
We're asking fans to rate each individual deal via the widget below:
