Newcastle United have been trying to kick on since last season, but fell over and over again in an annoyed summer, so they’ve joined many targets
To say Newcastle United endured annoyed summer is an understatement. Champions League qualifiers often make it easier for teams to convince forwarding targets to sign, but that’s not true on Eddie Howe’s part.
Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale moved to St. James Park, but many other players chose to move elsewhere. Not only that, but Alexander Isaac, the top goalscorer of last season, was still able to move forward before the windows closed.
“Why can’t Newcastle get the business done?” asked former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer as he spoke to Betfair. “I don’t know if it relates to the fact that they don’t have a CEO or athletic director. They’ve known for months now.
“The sports directors just left a few months ago and they know that, so it’s a big surprise that those spaces aren’t filled. I don’t know if that has something to do with Newcastle’s lack of business and the number of players who say no to them.
While there is still time for the club to make up for the lost time, many targets have already chosen to continue their careers elsewhere. Here, Miller Football takes a closer look at who said no to the Magpie.
read more: Transfer News Live: Liverpool agrees to Nunes exit, Cesco man’s UTD move, Newcastle’s new striker targetread more: Newcastle dressing room could “get fighter” after Benjamin Sesco’s rejection
Dean Huissen
Start from the beginning of the window. Spanish centre-back Huijsen enjoyed a breakout season with Bournemouth, urging Newcastle and many Premier League rivals to explore the move.
Unfortunately for them, Real Madrid was also enthusiastic. And that was clear to players looking to the Spanish World Cup team next summer, meaning this would be a short saga.
“It’s the best day of my life. For me, being here is a dream and I’m going to give it everything for my team,” the young defender said in his announcement. “For me, Real Madrid is the best club in the world when it comes to offers from other teams, and there are no other teams.”
Liam Dellup
The new striker was always on Newcastle’s list, regardless of what happened in Isaac. The club lost Callum Wilson five years later, and the experienced striker later joined West Ham, with the younger model being pursued.
Liam Dellup was one of those candidates after an impressive season with appointed Ipswich. The £30 million release clause meant Newcastle would always have a rival for his signature, and Chelsea won the race.
“I understand the height of this club and you can see the trajectory that is with these players and the head coach,” the England Under 21 star said. “It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop. I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.”
Joan Pedro
Here, like Delap, Champions League football promises were not enough. Chelsea could offer the same with Club World Cup football, and the Brazilians chose the blues.
“Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,” said the former Brighton star. “They have great players in the past and now they have great players. So I look forward to being in. When you’re a Chelsea player, you know you have to think about one thing – you win.”
Newcastle may be back in the Champions League, but some may feel that the other members of last season’s top five are in better shape. There will be time to see if they are right.
Mohamed Kudus
Newcastle completed the Elanga movement in mid-July, but only after failing to land Kudus. Ghana International has chosen Tottenham, which appears to have been set away from West Ham from the beginning of the summer.
Given his ability to play across the front line, it’s easy to see why the former Ajax guy was an option. Again, it soon became clear that Howe’s team was opposed from the start.
“The most important part of why I came here is the project and how the manager saw me to develop under him,” Kudus joined Thomas Frank’s side. “To see where he comes from and the amount of talent he has developed to become a great player is a great indication of why I want to work under him.”
Brian Mbemo
The versatile forward is clearly the order of the summer, and it is hard to blame Newcastle for not focusing on it. The problem for them is failing to convince so many targets that St. James’ park is a place for them.
Mbeumo was also eyed by the Spurs and Manchester United when it was revealed that he might leave Brentford. Cameroon Star’s former teammate Toyoan Wissa was still able to finish the window as a Newcastle player, but Mbeumo himself moved to Old Trafford – he says it’s always part of the plan.
“From the start, I wanted to join this big club,” he said. “I’m here right now, I’m really happy. For me, it’s the biggest club in the world. The fans are crazy. The stadium is amazing and all players want to play here.”
Hugo Ekitike
Newcastle strengthened interest in French frontman Ekitique when it first appeared that Isaac might join Liverpool. But now we have managed to finish the summer with Ekitique and Isaac at Anfield.
The former PSG frontman had a hard time watching alongside Les Parisiens, but thrived in the early period with Eintracht Frankfurt. Newcastle was ready to beat the bank, but it was Liverpool who ultimately won the race with a £69 million star.
“I’ve dreamed of coming to the Premier League and playing for Liverpool is a big, big feeling for me,” Ekitique said after joining the champions. “I can’t wait to start playing the game and win the trophy.”
James Trafford
The summer began with uncertainty about Newcastle’s starting keeper after Martin DeLavuka and Nick Pope shared their previous term. Trafford Long appeared to be destined for a northeasterly move, but there were problems.
The 22-year-old Cambrian had renewed promotion to Top Flight along with Burnley, but felt he had an unfinished business at former Club Manchester City. As soon as the city activates the buyback clause, there was only one outcome.
“I always dreamed that one day I would be able to return to Manchester City,” Trafford said after returning home. “This is the place I call home. It’s a really special football club with amazing people and great places to work and play.”
Benjamin Sesco
If you thought the impending start of the season might put an end to the disappointment of Newcastle’s move, it’s time to speculate again. Sesko became a realistic target when Arsenal turned to Viktor Gyoker, but there was yet another potential suitor.
This time, Manchester United stands in the magpie way. Reuben Amorim’s side may not be able to offer European football, but that doesn’t seem to matter.
Both clubs have bid RB Leipzig for the Slovenian star (a bid enough to seduce him to cash somewhere in the £70 million region), but Sesco expects Old Trafford to announce earlier than slowing down what he likes.
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