As transfer windows go, the 2025 summer window was an eccentric one at St James’ Park, as the entire summer was dominated by a collection of transfer sagas that gripped the headlines.
After returning to the Champions League following a one-year hiatus, the Magpies started the window by attempting to make a statement signing to boost their hopes of thriving on multiple fronts.
However, they lost out on a plethora of transfer targets, as Joao Pedro, Noni Madueke, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko all turned down a move to the Northeast in favour of signing for Premier League rivals.
The frustration of losing out on so many attacking talents was compounded when talisman Alexander Isak publicly declared his ambition to leave Newcastle and join Premier League champions Liverpool.
The Sweden international notched 23 league goals the previous year, and with the number of forwards on the market dwindling the Toon were suddenly desperate for reinforcement across their frontline.
After securing the signature of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest early in the window, two more faces arrived to bolster the attack, as Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa signed from Stuttgart and Brentford respectively.
This meant that Isak did eventually get his wish and depart for Anfield, leaving the new boys with big shoes to fill if they are to replace the forward.
Departures: Core Squad Remains Intact
Beyond Isak, Newcastle didn’t suffer many departures, meaning that the bulk of the team who secured Champions League qualification will be around to help the team compete on the continent.
Striker Callum Wilson left the club upon the expiry of his contract, and the 33-year-old opted to sign for Premier League rivals West Ham on a one-year deal.
The other major departure was Sean Longstaff, who signed for Championship champions Leeds United. Although as an academy player he would have been vital in the Champions League squad selection process due to his homegrown status, the Magpies hierarchy decided to part ways with the midfielder in order to comply with the Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Beyond this, there were a few more minor deals completed as players who had been deemed surplus to requirements were allowed to depart.
Backup goalkeepers Martin Dubravka and Odysseas Vlachodimos were allowed to leave to go to Burnley and Sevilla respectively, while Lloyd Kelly’s loan at Juventus was made permanent and Isaac Hayden saw his nine-year-long association with the Toon come to an end when he departed for QPR.
Incomings: Crucial Champions League Quality added
While supporters were made to wait for the bulk of the transfer business, Newcastle eventually made six signings, who may all be crucial to allowing the team to thrive in multiple competitions this season.
Anthony Elanga was the first signing through the door, as the Swedish forward made the move after propelling Nottingham Forest back into European football. His six goals and 11 assists were vital for the Reds last season, and despite having a slow start to the new season, Eddie Howe will be hoping that the forward can get back to firing in front of goal.
The next signing was in the goalkeeper department, as Aaron Ramsdale was brought in on a season-long loan from recently relegated Southampton. The former England international has started the season as a back up to Nick Pope, but is a more than capable custodian as and when he will be called upon over the course of the season.
The new faces continued to arrive, as German defender Malick Thiaw arrived from AC Milan and Jacob Ramsey signed from Aston Villa to provide some vital Champions League experience ahead of their campaign.
The window ended in a flurry, as the late arrivals of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa completed the transfer business in the final days of the window. Having notched 12 and 19 league goals respectively, the pair will be expected to provide flair and an attacking spark to their new side.
After the drama of the transfer window, Eddie Howe will be hoping to get his new signings integrated and settled into the squad before they return to competitive action.
Having failed to win in any of their first three clashes, Newcastle will be hoping to establish some momentum and earn a first victory of the Premier League season when they take on Wolves on Saturday 13th September following the international break.
They will then begin their Champions League campaign with a challenging clash against European giants Barcelona on Thursday 18th September in front of what promises to be a raucous crowd at St James’ Park.