Supporters have endured a deeply frustrating transfer window
RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko appears set to join Manchester United
RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko appears set to join Manchester United(Image: Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images)
Newcastle United supporters have endured a deeply frustrating transfer window so far, despite a less restrictive PSR situation this year and the promise of Champions League football - and fans in the Chronicle Live comments section can't help but feel that the club's progress is being sabotaged.
The Magpies' incoming transfer activity amounts to the signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, and a loan for England international goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to compete with Nick Pope. For outgoings, the only notable fees have come from Lloyd Kelly confirming his end-of-loan move to Juventus, and Sean Longstaff going to newly-promoted Leeds.
The quiet summer is not for a lack of trying - Eddie Howe has shown his frustration at being pipped to the post for key targets since the start of the transfer window.
Forwards Joao Pedro and Liam Delap were scooped up by an ever-expanding Chelsea, Bryan Mbeumo ended up with Premier League strugglers Manchester United, and Hugo Ekitike was drawn to Liverpool during the early part of their controversial pursuit for Alexander Isak.
Newcastle look to have missed out on the signing of Benjamin Sesko, again to Manchester United, and Howe's long-tailed chase for James Trafford ended when Manchester City triggered his buyback clause. All of these and more would've enhanced or bolstered the squad in key areas, but at least for now, the current squad faces a busy and exhausting season at home and in Europe.
Fans can't help but feel that the deck is stacked against them. Reader NEWCASTLE500 says: "The simple fact is, players still see the 'Big 6' as a better option than NUFC. They can offer bigger transfer fees and bigger wages, something we can't do, yet. If we continue to grow the way have been recently, then in 5 years' time we should be able to compete on a more equal footing. We are currently severely hampered by the financial rules."
Paranoidandroid writes: "There's definitely something going on other than being outbid. We had Ekitike and Trafford almost ready to sign, only to decide to become bench warmers at clubs from the big six cartel. And now we have Sesko reported to be off to Manchester United, despite them putting in a lower offer on worse terms than our offer... It's enough to make you into a conspiracy believer!"
JohnHenderson says: "It seems that once NUFC are interested in a quality player, then one of the 'rotten six' come in with its big spending power and tempt him away from us. Mind you our efforts at signings have been a bit pathetic with low offers/wages compared to other clubs, we never seem to be willing to spend the going rate and never seem to learn from past failures."
Other say now is the time to pull together. DurbanSkyslot says: "If Isak does go we will move forward as a club like we always have in the past. What we don't want is another fan revolt putting the club in crisis! We don't want to be seeing scenes like post-Keegan-Gate against the owners.
"They are trying hard to get players in despite how depressing it has become. We need to stick together as it does seem that everyone is against us in the football world! We as a fan base can be way over the top creating our own trouble at times!"
Arko writes: "This is what happens when you let a load of transfer windows pass you by. It will be a hard season with cup games and Champions League. We will get where we want to be eventually if the owners are still up for it, and a lot of those not willing to come here might end up regretting their decision.
"This season though I think will be a bit of a flop, but we have been through the wars before, let's get through this one with or without Isak, then with the money we never got to spend, rebuild."
Benshamlad49 is also seeing a brighter side: "It's not a disaster movie yet, not by a long chalk. We will still bring at least 2 new signings in, quality too. You seem to forget, Isak is likely to remain here because he won't be allowed to break his contract unless we obtain at least one top striker.
"Personally, I think we'll get another top central defender, a midfielder, and maybe another top striker who plays with Isak. If not, we'll do OK this season and I look forward to it."
Have your say! How do Newcastle United recover from a disappointing transfer window? Can they compete with the traditional "big 6"? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.