Analysing Newcastle United’s difficult summer transfer window
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The start of the new Premier League season is on the horizon, but Eddie Howe is far from the position he’d want to be in just days before kick-off.
Newcastle United are back in the Champions League after finishing fifth last season, yet a chaotic and frustrating summer window has left serious question marks over their squad depth.
Despite their elevated status, the Magpies have missed out on a number of top targets, failed to address key areas of weakness, and are now facing the possibility of juggling European and domestic demands with a depleted squad.
From a Premier League betting perspective, confidence in Newcastle from those who have a football free bet ahead of the new season has waned—and understandably so.
Let’s examine some of the high-profile players Newcastle have failed to sign, and how those failed pursuits could shape their campaign.
James Trafford
Seen as a long-term replacement for 33-year-old Nick Pope, 22-year-old James Trafford was reportedly top of the wish list between the sticks.
A modern, composed goalkeeper with Premier League experience and huge upside, he looked a smart target.
But Trafford opted for a return to Manchester City instead. Newcastle were forced to pivot, landing Aaron Ramsdale on loan—a player who fell out of favour at Arsenal and struggled for form at Southampton last season.
Bryan Mbeumo
Jacob Murphy had an excellent campaign down the right wing, but Howe wanted more firepower. Bryan Mbeumo, coming off a 20-goal Premier League season for Brentford, fit the profile perfectly.
Newcastle made a serious push, but Manchester United won the race, splashing £70 million to lure him to Old Trafford. It was another blow for the Magpies’ hopes of adding proven end product to their front line.
Joao Pedro and Liam Delap
It was double heartbreak for Newcastle as Chelsea beat them to two of their prime striker targets. Promising young forward Liam Delap held discussions with the Magpies but opted for Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle then had a £50m bid for Joao Pedro rejected, only to watch him move to Chelsea and become a key part of the London side’s shock Club World Cup triumph—scoring crucial goals against Fluminense and Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final and final.
Hugo Ekitike
A name long associated with Newcastle, Hugo Ekitike seemed to finally be within reach after notching 15 goals and eight assists for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga last season.
The club stepped up their interest and prepared a competitive offer, only for Ekitike to join Liverpool instead—another major snub from a player they’d shown interest in over numerous windows.
Benjamin Sesko
The most painful miss of all might be Benjamin Sesko. Newcastle had a £74 million bid accepted by RB Leipzig, but Sesko ultimately chose Manchester United, who matched the offer.
With 13 Bundesliga goals to his name last season, Sesko was seen as the one marquee signing that could fill the gap if Alexander Isak departs—which is still a very real possibility amid growing interest from Liverpool.
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So why is this happening? There are deeper issues at play behind Newcastle’s faltering window. Several board members have stepped down over the past 12 months, leading to internal instability.
Add to that the looming shadow of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), and it becomes clear that Newcastle are financially boxed in despite the perception of Saudi-backed riches.
Then there’s the harsh reality that, despite Champions League football and a cup final last season, Newcastle still struggle to match the pull of the league’s traditional powerhouses.
For many players, Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and Anfield remain more glamorous destinations than St James’ Park—and that matters.
There’s no doubt that this window has altered how bookmakers and punters now view Newcastle in the football betting odds going into this season. With glaring holes in defence, midfield and attack, the chances of them replicating last season’s success are lengthening.