How Newcastle United fared in the 2020/21 Summer Transfer Window | THT Originals

As the Premier League nears its return, the Hard Tackle takes a closer look at Manchester City’s transfer activity in this summer transfer window.

Newcastle United fans have had a difficult time this summer, following hopeless talks of a multi-million takeover which eventually transpired into nothing.

Despite such mediocrity, however, the Magpies did manage to raise a few eyebrows with some eye-catching acquisitions, including the addition of Callum Wilson and Jamal Lewis while Ryan Fraser was signed on a free transfer.

On a more important note, there weren’t any notable departures, with Newcastle doing well to hold on to the services of Isaac Hayden.

Overall, the Tyneside outfit flushed out nearly €40 million, which makes sense given how the takeover collapsed while the club also suffered losses due to Coronavirus pandemic. Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will now take a closer look at Newcastle United’s performance in the transfer market this summer.

Marquee Signing

Callum Wilson

Signed from Bournemouth for a fee of €22.5 million, Callum Wilson was the marquee signing for Newcastle United this summer.

Although Wilson is no Gareth Bale or Edinson Cavani, both of whom were linked with shock moves to Tyneside ahead of the failed takeover talks, he is still a sensible signing nonetheless, particularly due to his record.

Indeed, Wilson was a reliable servant for Bournemouth in the time they were in the Premier League, scoring 28 goals. While the striker ought to have been a little more prolific last season when the Cherries were relegated, he will, no doubt, look to make up in his new adventure at Newcastle United.

In fact, Wilson has already hit the ground running at St. James’ Park, scoring four goals in four matches. His presence in the side has added a sense of urgency in the final third, with the Magpies now being able to make full use of their chances. It has been reflected in their performances as well, thus making him an ideal coup for the club.

Inevitable Departure

Yoshinori Muto

Yoshinori Muto was one of many players who never really got going since joining Newcastle United back in 2018. He has been unfortunate with injuries and lack of game-time while the fast-paced nature of the Premier League hasn’t helped him either.

The Japanese international has, in fact, made only 28 appearances for the Magpies, scoring two goals. His poor return even saw him trail Joelinton and Dwight Gayle in the pecking order last season and following the arrival of Wilson, Muto’s departure to SD Eibar, albeit on loan, makes complete sense.

The 28-year-old should find some much-needed game time at Eibar, and he should also thrive in the much more tactical nature of Spanish football, although Muto should have ideally returned to the Bundesliga, where his former club 1.FSV Mainz are struggling.

Value For Money

Jeff Hendrick

Jeff Hendrick has faced a fair amount of criticism due to his recent performances in the Irish national team. However, his hard-working nature, aggression and a willingness to perform for his side are something manager Steve Bruce will truly cherish.

The former Hull City manager has already made Hendrick as a key component of his midfield unit, with the Irishman featuring in all the four matches, scoring one goal and providing one assist. Hendrick, who can play as a central midfielder as well as a wide midfielder has provided some much-needed versatility to Newcastle United.

It has ultimately opened up countless tactical possibilities for Bruce, who is now free to use Isaac Hayden either in midfield or in a defensive role. It is, therefore, fair to assume that Hendrick, who was signed from Burnley on a free transfer, has been a bargain for the Magpies this summer.

A Player They Should Have Signed

Diego Llorente

Newcastle United have done really well to fill up the holes in the number nine and the left-back role while adding more reinforcements in the midfield unit. However, one area where they still lack reliable options is central defence.

Bruce does have quality options in Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez. However, the likes of Clark, Schar and Paul Dummett have had an awful injury record over the past couple of years while Lascelles experienced a slight fall from grace last term, following an excellent 2018/19 campaign.

It leaves Bruce with Fernandez as the only reliable option, so the Newcastle manager could have used the services of someone like Diego Llorente. The ex-Real Sociedad defender, who joined Leeds United this summer, could have added a sense of leadership, calmness and discipline in the Newcastle United backline, ultimately making them a much more competent outfit.

A Player They Should Have Sold

Joelinton

Newcastle United have benefited a lot from the attacking duo of Wilson and Andy Carroll this season, which begs the question as to whether or not they should have sold Joelinton this summer.

The ex-Hoffenheim forward has underperformed miserably since joining Newcastle on a big-money transfer last summer. He has looked out of place in the Premier League and is clearly a misfit at St. James’ Park.

Although the Brazilian has shown signs of improvement in a new tactical role, a move away from the club might have made more sense.

Transfer Rating: 7/10

Newcastle United should have done a better job of finding a centre-back as well as an upgrade over Joelinton. But, they have been quite smart with the acquisitions of relegated players like Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and Jamal Lewis while Jeff Hendrick has already made quite an impact.

It is also fair to take into consideration the takeover saga that left them with very little time to secure their business. Hence, we are giving Newcastle a solid 7/10.