In a transfer window that was supposed to be transformative for Newcastle United, it hasn't quite gone to plan so far.
On paper, this was Eddie Howe's time - the summer following the club's first domestic trophy in almost 70 years, securing Champions League football and the easing of PSR issues - the thought was that Newcastle would be making a real statement in the market.
Instead, sporting director Paul Mitchell left, and the club has failed in its pursuit of a number of targets, and of course, the elephant in the room, one Alexander Isak.
Although, like me, I am sure you are all pained to read any more about Newcastle's once-beloved number nine. Despite this, I think the only place I can start is with Isak.
If anyone ever wanted to read a 'how-to guide' on souring the relationship with your adoring fans in one month, I think you'd have to cite Isak as a prime example.
Okay, it's not on the same level as Luis Figo's infamous transfer from FC Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000, or Sol Campbell's 2001 transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Arsenal, but in terms of the contemporary game, it's right up there in terms of footballing betrayals.
Sol Campbell was branded 'Judas' by the Spurs fans after his notorious free transfer exit.Sol Campbell was branded 'Judas' by the Spurs fans after his notorious free transfer exit. (Image: Steven Paston) The Isak saga, although far from completed, has put a dampener on Newcastle's whole summer window, grabbing headlines and distracting from what was supposed to be THE BIG summer.
From missing Newcastle's entire pre-season calendar and training with his ex-club Real Sociedad, to alleged communication between his agent and multiple football spin-doctors, like Fabrizio Romano, and attempting to push through a move to Liverpool, Isak's conduct has been wholly unprofessional and unacceptable.
To skip to the current day, Newcastle's stance on Isak is supposedly that he is 'not for sale' at any price. This follows the previous paper talk that Newcastle would only consider bids of £150m plus, and only if the club had already secured an adequate replacement. So with around three weeks of the window to go, it's looking increasingly likely that Isak will stay at Newcastle.
It's a less-than-ideal situation. No one wants to keep a player at a club that he doesn't want to be at, but in this scenario, it seems like the most logical outcome.
Newcastle, so it is their right, want at least £150m for Isak. They would also like a replacement before they sell, and don't want to sell to an English team that is in direct competition.
As it stands, Liverpool is the only serious proposition for Isak. So far, however, their one bid of £110m plus add-ons hasn't been enough, whilst also snatching Newcastle's number one transfer target this summer - Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike (centre) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game with team-mates during the FA Community Shield match on Sunday (August 10).Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike (centre) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game with team-mates during the FA Community Shield match on Sunday (August 10). (Image: John Walton/PA Wire) I am glad that Newcastle haven't been held to ransom by a traditionally 'bigger' team. The club has acted strongly in their reaction to Isak, which I think sets a good precedent - 'no one is bigger than the club.'
It will be interesting to see how the situation plays out. In terms of Newcastle's first game of the season, Howe has already said that he doesn't expect Isak to be involved against Aston Villa.
And another twist in the tale has emerged on August 12 from Athletic reporter David Ornstein, who stated, "Alexander Isak adamant he will not play for Newcastle again." The journalist went on to say that Isak views his NUFC career as 'over' and that he has no plans to reintegrate.' Ornstein went on to say that Newcastle's stance remains the same: the player is 'not for sale', but that the club is 'exploring' the market.
For now, sadly, this saga is still nowhere near completion. It's anyone's guess where Isak will end up - one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks!
In terms of Newcastle's other transfer business, it's been steady but not breathtaking. Offloading players like Sean Longstaff, Lloyd Kelly, Isaac Hayden, Callum Wilson, Jamal Lewis, and Martin Dubravka was all decent business, freeing up the wage bill for some more fresh faces.
First team arrivals Anthony Elanga, 23, Aaron Ramsdale, 27, and the newest incomer, Malick Thiaw, 24, all appear to be good deals. They come in at good ages, bringing a mixture of experience, hunger, and energy. Exciting youth prospects, Antoñito Cordero and Seung-soo Park, both seem like astute signings.
New Newcastle right winger, Anthony Elanga.New Newcastle right winger, Anthony Elanga. (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) But what about the players Newcastle have missed out on... Although the list is exaggerated and sensationalised in the tabloids, the club has missed out on at least six new players: namely, Bryan Mbeumo, Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko, Joao Pedro, and James Trafford. This, of course, hasn't been a great look. The power vacuum left by Paul Mitchell's departure is palpable, and there is an argument that those who have stepped in to fill his shoes haven't delivered.
With the window closing on September 1, there isn't much time to get any more signings in.
Even if Isak doesn't leave, the club is in dire need of at least one new striker following Callum Wilson's exit. Yoane Wissa has been earmarked as the man to replace Wilson. The 28-year-old Brentford man, who, like Isak, has also been on strike, looks destined to sign for Newcastle.
Other names linked, who appear to be potential Isak replacements, are Nicolas Jackson and Samu Aghehowa. Although unproven at Premier League level, I would much rather Porto's Aghehowa, 21, who looks to have a much higher ceiling than Chelsea's Jackson.
A central midfielder is also high up on the list of priorities for NUFC, who are looking for a Longstaff replacement.
For now, it's time to look ahead to our season opener against Aston Villa on Saturday (August 16). For now, unless something drastically changes, with William Osula our only recognised senior striker available, it's looking like Anthony Gordon will play as a false nine up front, with Harvey Barnes and Elanga either side.
It'll be interesting to see whether Pope or Ramsdale gets the nod - my hope is Ramsdale, but I think it will be Pope, who, despite his poor footwork, has credit in the bank with Howe after performing well over the last few seasons. I think it will be too late in the day for Thiaw to come in, who I expect to be on the bench.
Away to Villa will be a tough test for Newcastle, but one I don't believe is insurmountable; I'm going to go for a 2-2 draw. Let's hope for a big atmosphere on the day. Howay the lads!