Newcastle United's summer transfer window has been nothing short of dramatic.
The club entered the market knowing a major decision loomed over Alexander Isak, and the striker’s eventual departure on deadline day to Liverpool for a British record £125m undoubtedly defined the window.
In the weeks leading up to the move, Newcastle pursued a number of targets but suffered numerous setbacks.
They missed out on Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, João Pedro, and Benjamin Šeško, while interest in Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa looked seemingly destined to go nowhere.
But then news of Newcastle agreeing a £69m deal for Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade set the wheels in motion.
Isak was finally allowed to depart, and a questionable £55m deal for Wissa followed soon afterwards.
Elsewhere, Newcastle strengthened with additions across the pitch.
Alexander-Isak-Newcastle
Jacob Ramsay, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, and Anthony Elanga all joined, giving Howe greater depth and competition ahead of his fourth full season in charge of the club.
Yet the reality remains - the Magpies have lost their most clinical finisher, and their ability to adapt quickly will define their season.
Newcastle’s new-look attack without Isak
For Howe, the question is simple: how do you line up after losing your star striker?
Despite last season's off-pitch drama, Isak still managed 23 Premier League goals and eight assists.
The Swedish international’s ability to stretch defences, link play, and finish chances gave Newcastle’s attack balance and variety. Without him, the early signs have been mixed.
In their opening two fixtures against Aston Villa and Liverpool, Newcastle played with energy and structure but lacked a cutting edge.
Makeshift striker Anthony Gordon worked tirelessly up front, but his needless red card against Liverpool handed Howe another headache, forcing William Osula to lead the line in a drab 0-0 draw at Leeds.
That will soon change.
Wissa, proven in the Premier League, is expected to slot straight in after the international break, offering pace, pressing intensity, and goalscoring instincts.
Woltemade, while talented, will likely be eased in gradually to adjust to the demands of English football.
Brentford striker Yoane Wissa
However, the ripple effect of losing Isak extends beyond the number nine position. Newcastle can no longer rely on a single talismanic goalscorer.
Their attacking success will now depend on successfully spreading responsibility across the likes of Woltemade, Wissa, Gordon, Elanga, and Harvey Barnes.
Bruno Guimarães is everything Isak could have been
While Isak’s exit dominated headlines, Newcastle’s true talisman remains in midfield.
At 27, captain Bruno Guimarães has emerged as the heartbeat of Howe’s project.
Bruno-Guimaraes-1
Since arriving from Lyon in January 2022, the Brazilian international has become the player Howe wanted to build his team around, offering a blend of creativity, grit, and leadership that makes him irreplaceable.
Despite reported Saudi interest this summer - with Al Hilal said to be ready to pay £120m - Bruno stayed loyal, reaffirming his commitment just as he did when he signed a new five-year contract in October 2023.
His influence cannot be overstated. In a memorable 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest in 2024, Howe described him as the “difference-maker” after a match-winning brace.
That label has stuck. Statistically, Bruno backs it up.
According to FBref, he averaged 7.47 progressive passes per 90, completed more than 40 passes a game at an 82.3% success rate, and produced 3.66 shot-creating actions per 90.
His defensive work - 2.29 tackles and nearly one block per game - adds balance, making him the complete midfielder.
Bruno Guimarães - 2024/25
Matches Played
Minutes
Goals
Assists
Progressive Carries
Progressive Passes
Source: FBref
With Isak gone, Newcastle’s blueprint is clear: this is Bruno’s team. Howe even said it himself last year: "I want to build our team around him".
Howe has constructed a midfield system that maximises his strengths, giving him license to carry the ball, dictate tempo, and act as the link between defence and attack.
While Wissa and Woltemade settle into the side, Bruno provides the consistency and leadership Newcastle need to remain competitive in both domestic and European football.
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes
His loyalty also carries symbolic weight.
Where Isak’s future lay elsewhere, Bruno’s decision to stay - despite concrete interest from the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal - demonstrates belief in the project.
For the fans, it’s proof that Newcastle still have a world-class figure to rally around.