‘Winning’ the transfer window is a term that’s entered the pantheon of modern day football fandom. Aye, I know, maybe I do spend too much time online.
While I’m happy to put the term ‘food-chaining’ in the bin, I’ll give this harmless competition a little bit of my time, particularly when I think you can make a case for Newcastle United, somehow, remarkably, coming out the back on this window stronger than they started it. Sounds mad even putting that down in words.
One deal ruined last summer. Six deals this time around have given the Magpies the platform to succeed. Where the Alexander Isak one set fire to the world around it, this half dozen laid the groundwork for Matthias Jaissle to potentially thrive - and all that under the cloud of constant change and churn. Here’s where I think they won - and where I think they suffered a minor lose or two.
There ‘here and now’ wins - time to level up
Change isn’t always to be feared, however, drastic change can go one of two ways. And draining the squad of manager, skipper and three major bits of quality and experience on top of that had many wondering if the summer was cooking up a disaster down the line.
But three transfers, all towards the end, changed that dynamic. And all came in under Jaissle.
Amar Dedic was the first. A Jaissle lieutenant. Tried and tested in his methods. On the face of it, looked a solid signing. Seen with truer eyes, in the flesh, it looks like potentially the most outrageous piece of business done across the division. Near £30million for a player who is aggressive, committed, quick, can defend, attacks like a winger and is a fit as a flea.
The second one - arguably the most important - was Nico Gonzalez. The drain of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes left a huge hole to fill. It was one too big to be plugged with youth and needed some spice and experience. Gonzalez is the perfect shield Jaissle was looking for.
The third, and the one that really has people excited is, Matias Fernandez-Pardo. We don’t yet know how good he is, but it feels like a proper deal, done by a proper club. His debut will be Saturday. And while some caution must be urged, due to his lack of pre-season, nothing excites like a forward signing, does it?
The long overdue stylistic necessity
In order for Newcastle to progress, they needed to level up in the goalkeeping department. Nick Pope served a purpose, but that pass expired two years ago mostly. When he signed he took Newcastle on a level. He was excellent as they finished fourth.
Pope was also memorable in the first Champions League campaign, in fairness. Flawless in Milan and Paris alike.
But times move. And while Pope would have been a world star 20 years back with his goalkeeping fundamentals, the game requires more now. Newcastle needed more.
Lukas Hornicek can play. And now we know he can save, too. His ability to draw the press and hold on to the ball are invaluable. It’s gone under the radar, but his work with the ball has transformed the way NUFC can play.
Future-proofing the XI - but one goes further
This was the strategy shift. Sign young. Sign the player before he really becomes a player - and costs an arm and a leg.
While some of those who walked through the door under the age of 21 clearly need a little more time, as expected, one stands above all, ready to really impact the starting XI now.
Sean Steur needs some physical adaptation to the game, but the materials are there. He’s constant scanning and movement point to a player who is already one step ahead of play. His recoveries have been solid, too, highlighted at Spurs last weekend. Early days, but a potential star.
The exit that opened up the doors
Through all of this, none of it would be possible without Tonali’s exit. Without Newcastle getting £100million for the player, the rebuild, which looks to be the freshening up United needed, would not have been possible.
Gordon saved last season’s balance sheets. Tonali helped fund purchases. So too, Bruno, but that wasn’t, of course, planned.
Extracting that sum was the deal of the century, never mind the summer. I like Tonali, but he’s overpriced by half. It was genius by NUFC decision-makers.
The losses - yes, there were some
In reality, Pope remaining has left a little bit of a sour taste, probably for the player, too. A good character, and sound to have around, however, his time to move on was clear.
And the only other ones the club may live to regret is not extracting top value from the likes of Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock. But, in fairness, if MJ wants them, his call is final. End of story.
Great article Liam, £100 million for Tonali is looking better and better by the day. Seriously excited now for the season ahead
I rate the window 8 of 10. I'm concerned with having only 3 full backs. Miley is also starting in midfield so he would weaken midfield if he had to cover. However its very had to buy a cover player especially when the 3 full backs we have are so young..