It hasn’t been plain sailing, has it?
A summer that promised so much after the barren windows that came before, instead testing Eddie Howe and his recruitment much more than the manager could have expected.
“I think it has been difficult in different ways, but I’ve never shied away from a challenge or a difficult situation,” Howe replied when asked if this summer had been more challenging than the last.
But less than a week on from those quotes dished out inside St James’ Park, Newcastle’s summer is looking a lot more positive as rapid progress in made on incoming deals.
Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale are settling into their new surroundings, Malick Thiaw is officially through the door and there is a feeling a deal can be struck swiftly for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey.
In those four players, Howe is adding youth, experience, depth, quality and confidence to his ranks.
Elanga has had more than a month to get up to speed since his Nottingham Forest switch and the winger looks at home on Tyneside already.
Ramsdale started his United career off with a strong showing – and a penalty save – in his United debut, while Thiaw brings Champions League and international experience to a key position in Howe’s dressing room.
Ramsey, should he arrive, will bring competition to a weakened area of Newcastle’s squad.
His versatility and work rate makes the 24-year-old look, certainly from the outside, as an ideal player for Howe to mould and improve.
Financially, the incoming trio take United’s spending to just shy of £100m already for the summer. This, compared to an outlay of £0 in both January of this year and 2024, and £57m this time last year.
Add Ramsey into the mix and the total figure rises to £135m. And there is a feeling United aren’t done yet either.
The transfer dominoes need to fall correctly for the capture of Yoane Wissa, while Alexander Isak’s future will determine whether Howe goes in search of another forward this summer.
It is the sulking Swede who has added to the feeling of negativity around Tyneside in recent months, with his Liverpool move souring the mood of late.
This, on top of Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and Benjamin Sesko opting to join United’s rivals in recent weeks.
The big twist of the summer – Isak expressing his desire to leave – has also prompted an unusual and unfamiliar feeling in these parts of late.
For the first time in a long time Newcastle have been the butt of the joke among rival fans. Seen as a not attractive enough, not grand enough to beat their competition to exciting deals.
Isak, meanwhile, becomes the first high-profile, post-takeover signing to seek an exit for a bigger move.
But Howe has ignored all of that, with Newcastle chiefs behind the scenes sticking to their task when it comes to recruitment.
Key positions now strengthened, more incomings on the way and confidence finally rising.
Howe promised just last week that this window CAN still be a success. Fans may now start to believe him.
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