It is one year on from a takeover which saw Newcastle United seemingly catapulted into every transfer conversation across Europe. The influx of ambition and cash saw the Magpies linked with dozens - if not hundreds - of potential targets.
Eddie Howe's side have so far landed 10 new players, with a cumulative spend in excess of £200 million helping to transform Newcastle's fortunes in a matter of months. United will be hoping to register a second straight success when they host Brentford on Saturday, and they are set to come up against two reported targets.
Kristoffer Ajer and Aaron Hickey have both quickly won over the Bees' fanbase since making their respective moves. Ajer agreed a switch from Celtic in the region of £13.5 million in the summer of 2021, while Thomas Frank's side are said to have seen off competition for £14m full-back Hickey in the latest window.
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Ajer has made two starts so far this season, having undergone surgery on a hamstring injury suffered in the final-day defeat to Leeds United last term. The versatile defender was touted as a potential target during the final months of the Steve Bruce era, only to opt for a switch to Brentford to further his own development.
It is a move which has clearly paid dividends for both the Bees and the former Celtic star following an impressive debut Premier League season for both. Billy Grant, a writer for fan site Beesotted, said: "He is a great player, a Rolls Royce of a centre back.
"He is, at times, a key part of our attacking threat. The way he can seemlessly bring the ball out of defence is beautiful, He has had a long-term injury recently and is working his way back into form but he is a class player.
"He adds an air of class and calmness to our defence. He leads from the back and I’m looking forward to seeing a fully-fit Ayer commanding his defence and running the ball out starting countless counter attacks."
It is a viewpoint shared by freelance football writer and Brentford fan Uzzi Majid, who added: "What's amusing is that many of thefans thought he wasn't good enough to make the step - how wrong they were. He has certainly delivered expectation-wise and has never let the team down.
"This is a big season for him in order for him to get as many starts whilst playing as a centre back in a four as he can, as he is set to be the heir to Pontus Jansson's throne when he expectedly departs at the end of the season. Many fans, including myself, are expecting another great season from the Norwegian."
Ajer adapted to the Premier League quickly, and it already looks like the same can be said for Hickey. The Scotland international spent two seasons in Serie A with Bologna, and the 20-year-old has started all but one of the Bees' top-flight fixtures so far.
The Magpies are well-stocked in the full-back areas, with Kieran Trippier making a sensational start to life in black-and-white and both Dan Burn and Matt Targett competing for a starting spot at left-back. However, it appears Brentford could have landed an immediate a long-term solution of their own in Hickey.
Majid said: "Hickey has been absolutely first class since he's been here. Seeing as he came from Italy where defending is bread and butter, I shouldn't be too surprised but for a 20-year-old plying his trade in the Premier League, he has taken the step like a duck to water.
"Like Ajer, one of Hickey's best attributes is his versatility. He can operate on both flanks which helps a great deal; Brentford have one of the best in the left-back department in Rico Henry, but knowing Hickey can deputise in his place gives Thomas Frank one less headache.
"He has been really impressive defensively, holding his own against the likes of Anthony Gordon, Jack Harrison, Marcus Rashford and Wilfried Zaha. What he needs to work on both long and short term is his attacking output - he is yet to provide goals or assists at the moment but that will come within time."
Grant added: "He might be slight but he’s one hell of a player. He’s had a decent start to the season but he has taken a few games to get his head around the division and acclimatise.
"He’s one tough cookie and gets underestimated by opposition fans (and maybe players) because of his build. Hickey is well liked and he brings experience and solidity to the defence whilst adding an attacking edge."
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