Newcastle Struggle to Find Momentum as Summer Plans Stall | OneFootball

Newcastle’s Summer in Flux as Transfer Plans Stall and Isak Uncertainty Grows

Transfer Inactivity and Internal Instability Raise Concerns

As Newcastle United approach the start of a new season, the momentum built through recent campaigns has stalled. The Athletic’s in-depth analysis paints a picture of a club stuck between ambition and dysfunction, navigating the market while juggling absences in key executive roles.

Darren Eales, diagnosed with blood cancer, is on medical leave. His replacement as chief executive has not yet been named. Paul Mitchell, the sporting director, has departed. “It means, for the second summer in succession, there is a huge flux at the top of the club.”

This kind of uncertainty can filter down. It has. Transfer activity has been sparse, with only two senior signings completed: Aaron Ramsdale arriving on loan from Southampton, and Antonio Cordero immediately loaned out. For a club that finished in Europe last season, this is not the kind of transfer window fans expected.

Midfield Depth and Centre-Forward Vacancy Remain Problematic

The decision to sell Sean Longstaff to Leeds United has left Eddie Howe’s midfield options stretched. “Having sold Sean Longstaff to Leeds United, Howe’s options in midfield are thinner, particularly with Joe Willock now out for between four and six weeks with a calf injury. Ideally, there would be reinforcements here, too, although little has been ideal about this summer.”

Photo IMAGO

Reinforcements have not been forthcoming. In pre-season, the lack of an experienced striker has been exposed. William Osula and Anthony Gordon have filled in, but neither is equipped to lead the line long term. Howe has repeatedly said the club must act quickly in the market. Those words, uttered with clarity after clinching Champions League qualification, now seem haunting: “We have to be ready to conclude things very quickly because good players don’t hang around for long.”

Newcastle’s primary attacking target remains Benjamin Sesko. An initial €80m offer was rejected by Leipzig, but positive talks have taken place, with co-owner Jamie Reuben directly involved. That pursuit continues, though Manchester United remain strong contenders.

Isak’s Future Overshadows Squad Planning

The transfer window’s defining narrative at St James’ Park revolves around Alexander Isak. Liverpool’s £110m bid was rejected, falling £40m short of Newcastle’s valuation. Isak trained away from the squad in Spain before returning to Newcastle’s facilities. His attitude will dictate whether he is reintegrated or moved on.

Photo: IMAGO

As The Athletic notes, “All roads lead back to Isak.” Howe’s pointed comment, “No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal,” was broad, but the subtext was clear.

If Isak departs, Newcastle’s hand is forced. A new striker would be imperative, with Sesko becoming not just an ideal partner but a necessary replacement. And even if he stays, the squad needs depth.

Infrastructure and Identity Questions Linger

Off the pitch, Newcastle’s long-term projects have slowed. There has been “no tangible movement on a new stadium or training ground.” These aren’t small matters. But the lack of visible progress undermines the club’s wider vision, especially at a time when fans are watching other ‘Big Six’ clubs complete ambitious deals.

Ultimately, this summer has been shaped by hesitation, disruption and missed opportunities. There is still time, but optimism is thinning.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Newcastle fans, this summer has been deeply frustrating. After building so much momentum over the last 18 months, qualifying for Europe and showing genuine progress under Eddie Howe, it now feels like we’ve stalled. And not just stalled, but regressed.

Losing Sean Longstaff, even for good money, made sense in isolation, but not without a plan to replace him. Joe Willock’s injury just adds to the problems. The midfield is bare and there are holes all over the squad.

The biggest concern is clearly up top. Isak is world-class, but if he wants out, we need clarity. Watching him train alone while Liverpool circle is uncomfortable. Either he commits, or the club moves him on and acts decisively. So far, we’ve done neither.

We’re also not blind to what’s going on upstairs. The lack of a sporting director and CEO is affecting everything. Transfers are slow, targets are slipping through. This has happened before. The feeling is familiar.

The fans will keep backing Howe, the players, and the badge, but the ambition needs to return. The window’s not closed yet, but the clock is ticking louder each day.