Newcastle United found themselves in an awful position during the summer transfer window, struggling to find an adequate replacement when star striker Alexander Isak was constantly agitating for a move to reigning Premier League champions Liverpool from St James' Park, but some last-minute deals have potentially saved their season.
Magpies head coach Eddie Howe signed Antonio Cordero, Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale, Malick Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey, Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa ahead of last week's deadline - the latter's arrival was ratified with just 30 seconds to spare - and there is determination to build on clinching silverware last term.
Sean Longstaff was among the names to head through the Newcastle exit door, with newly-promoted Leeds United sealing the midfielder's arrival for in excess of £12million, and GIVEMESPORT has run the rule over the incomings and outgoings that were sanctioned by the Tyneside giants.
Granting Isak Wish Was Correct Call for Howe
Alexander Isak in action for Newcastle United
The last thing Newcastle wanted during the transfer window was to lose Isak but, ultimately, they made the right decision by allowing him to join Liverpool. The Sweden international's departure has allowed the Magpies to bank £125million and keeping him on board would have only led to distractions behind the scenes.
Although the marksman has been described as 'world-class' by St James' Park icon Alan Shearer and played a pivotal role in adding to the trophy cabinet last term, it is important to remember that no-one is bigger than the football club. The moment he made it clear he wanted to go, the priority was selling him at the right price.
Isak accused Newcastle of breaking promises, leading to him insisting that he could not continue on their books following a prolific 2024/25 campaign, and members of the hierarchy did well to secure a British-record fee after they had been backed into a corner and Liverpool were fully aware of his desire to head to Anfield.
Alexander Isak's statistics for Newcastle United this season
It was never going to be easy replacing the 25-year-old's goals, but Woltemade is an exciting addition after sealing a £69million switch from Stuttgart. The German is not a typical 6ft 6in centre forward as he likes the ball at his feet and is technically gifted, while he was a constant threat in the Bundesliga.
Wissa also embarked on a fresh challenge, joining Newcastle for up to £55million from domestic counterparts Brentford, and Howe's new-look strike force are capable of causing all sorts of problems for defenders as they aim to get over the fact they were forced to offload Isak before the deadline.
Failing to Replace Mitchell Was Major Mistake
Paul Mitchell
Newcastle did make one big error, however, and that was failing to replace Paul Mitchell when he left his sporting director role in June. Howe was given greater responsibility when it came to recruitment, which he will have enjoyed, but not securing an immediate successor backfired as it gave other clubs the upper-hand when there was a bidding war.
The Magpies missed out on the likes of Hugo Ekitike, James Trafford, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo to Premier League rivals during the summer transfer window, with the latter insisting he only wanted to join Manchester United, and that left last season's Carabao Cup winners scampering for alternatives as the deadline edged closer.
Although Woltemade - who has been handed a £132,500-per-week contract - and Wissa are solid additions, they overpaid for them after reaching a point where they had to meet demands or run the risk of not securing their services. Having a sporting director at the helm would have aided them and led to a higher rating than 7/10 for their business.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 08/09/2025
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