Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
The first phase of the summer transfer window is coming to an end and Newcastle United are yet to make their move in the market. 'Enquiries' have been made for top targets but the Magpies have so far kept their powder dry as clubs around them conclude shrewd business.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all introduced fresh faces to their squads, while Liverpool are on the cusp of one of the biggest deals in Premier League history with a move for Florian Wirtz. Newcastle, meanwhile, still have big plans of their own.
Joao Pedro and Anthony Elanga are both admired, with big price tags attached, while Eddie Howe will seek to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch too. However, any incoming Newcastle deals will have to come in the second trading period of the summer.
The early window - open from June 1 to June 10 - was to allow teams participating in the Club World Cup to sign players before the tournament gets under way on June 15. Clubs can then resume their business come June 16, before the window closes for good on September 1st.
Fifa rules state a transfer window cannot last more than 16 weeks in a calendar year, hence the upcoming six-day gap where signings cannot be confirmed. For Newcastle, it means the wait will continue for eagerly-awaited fresh faces.
Discussing his club's strategy for the summer, Howe recently said: "Speed is key because we have to be dynamic, we have to be ready to conclude things very quickly, because good players don’t hang around for long.
"That’s always been my thought and my message on recruitment, because you can have a period when you think you have time - but then you look around quickly and you see that time has elapsed and you missed opportunities you won’t get again."
There is huge clamour for a shiny new signing to obsess over given the lack of exciting incomings in recent windows but there is no need to panic at the lack of early movement this time around. Newcastle's plans have been locked in for some time and the imminent departure of Paul Mitchell is not expected to derail or change the strategy for the next few months.
The Magpies' financial situation has improved in recent months and big name departures are not necessary this time around. Howe has also received assurances of long-awaited backing as the club fight on four fronts once again.
This summer has some way to go and won't be without the odd, inevitable setback but the message from inside the club is that it could prove be a fruitful one come the culmination of the second transfer window.
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