This time last year, Carabao Cup celebrations were still going strong and Newcastle United were powering towards Champions League qualification. For the first time, PIF's ownership looked to have paid dividends and the only way was up for the Magpies.
12 months later, however, Eddie Howe's position has never been in more doubt, Newcastle sit below Sunderland in the Premier League and those in charge at St James' Park are facing some serious questions.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe before the start of the match
That's how quickly life can change in English football. And with new SCR (Squad Cost Ratio) rules unlikely to aid those in Tyneside if they miss out on European football, it's likely to be an interesting summer once again.
Newcastle looking to strengthen their attack
The new SCR rules are certainly interesting. Instead of looking at overall profit or losses, the new system will focus on how much clubs spend on teams compared to what they earn. Clubs must keep wages, transfers and agent fees under or on 85% of their football money or for clubs in Europe, 70%.
For example, if a club earns £100m from football revenues, they shouldn’t spend more than £85m - or for clubs in Europe, £70m - on paying players and buying them.
Big striker moves in summer 2025 transfer window (timeless)
On paper, it may sound like that will benefit Newcastle if they miss out on European football, but that doesn't take into account that their revenue is likely to plummet.
Alas, it's a new problem with the same solution. Just like last summer, the Magpies will likely have no choice but to sell big to invest in much-needed changes - whether this means the sale of Sandro Tonalo, Tino Livramento or another star man.
It's a sacrifice which will pave the way for recruitment and recruitment that Newcastle cannot get as wrong as last season. Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa have all struggled and none of them came cheap.
Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade
One year on, reports suggest that another forward could be on the way as a result. TEAMtalk have even gone as far as to report that Newcastle have commenced work on a deal to sign Gonzalo Garcia from Real Madrid.
Indeed, the Toon are exploring a move for a number of centre-forwards this summer with Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap of Chelsea on their radar, alongside former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.
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Yet, according to the report, Garcia is 'emerging as a serious option' with the Magpies keeping a close eye on his situation in the Spanish capital.
Previous reports have suggested he may cost in the region of £26m.
Why Garcia could offer Newcastle the perfect Isak & Gordon hybrid
It speaks volumes about Newcastle's failed recruitment that Anthony Gordon is leading the line almost one year on from the arrival of Woltemade and Wissa for a combined £124m.
The record signing even finds himself in midfield these days; that's how badly things have gone since a strong start sparked what can now only be described as false hope.
The biggest loser out of all of this has arguably been Gordon. He's been forced out of his favoured role in an attempt to turn Newcastle's season around. It's taken away the Magpies' threat on the left-hand side and is yet to solve their striker problem.
anthony-gordon-newcastle
That's why Garcia should be a top target. Not only does he have the potential to finally replace Isak, but his ability to also play out wide will ease any concerns over Gordon's absence when he's left to lead the line.
League stats 25/26 Gordon Garcia
Minutes 1,743 665
Goals 6 4
Assists 2 0
XG 8.75 3.98
Successful Dribbles per 90 1.7 0.27
Celebrated as a "world-class" talent by European football expert Zach Lowy, the numbers expose the difference that a player like Garcia would have made this season.
At 22 years old, the Real Madrid man is already incredibly clinical in front of goal, matching his xG throughout the current campaign, and could yet follow a similar path to Isak from La Liga to Newcastle.
Isak also had that ruthless streak in front of goal at Newcastle, outperforming his xG by around three goals last season, and that's what the Magpies have been missing all season.
Gonzalo Garcia
Gordon's take-on success is also missed out wide whenever he's isolated in the No.9 role. It would benefit all parties, including the forward who is unlikely to take a starting role at Madrid, if Newcastle pushed to welcome Garcia this summer after profiting from key player sales.
Nick Woltemade celebrates for Newcastle Related
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With attacking improvement in mind, Newcastle United have now set their sights on a Woltemade upgrade.