How did Newcastle's summer spending compare to others?published at 09:50 9 September
09:50 9 September
The Premier League's summer transfer window saw clubs spend almost £2bn in all.
Data from Footballtransfers.com, external shows the biggest net spend by a club - that’s all the money spent minus all that came in from sales - was Brighton.
The Seagulls had a net spend of £153.5m.
On the flip side, the club who generated the biggest net summer profit on transfers was Manchester City, who made £115.8m, thanks in large part to the sale of Julian Alvarez.
Newcastle made a net profit of £6.2m. Only six clubs generated a profit on transfers.
Gossip: Newcastle still in race to sign free agent Rabiotpublished at 07:39 9 September
07:39 9 September
Newcastle United are still interested in signing 29-year-old France midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who is a free agent after leaving Juventus in the summer. (Caught Offside), external
Former Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth, who is now at Manchester United, has been hurt by criticism from Paul Mitchell, his successor at St James' Park, who has said the club's transfer structure was "not fit for purpose". (Telegraph), external
Gossip: Magpies may turn to Antonypublished at 09:21 8 September
09:21 8 September
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is considering a move for Manchester United , externaland Brazil winger Antony, 24, if a deal for Nottingham Forest forward Anthony Elanga does not materialise. (Caught Offside), external
Meanwhile, the Magpies will try to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi in a cut-price deal in January when he will have 18 months left on his contract, but the Eagles will hold out to get their valuation of the 24-year-old England international. (Football Insider)
Sao Paulo loan 'could be the start of a great journey' for Lewispublished at 09:16 7 September
09:16 7 September
Newcastle United left-back Jamal Lewis says his loan move to Sao Paulo was a "no-brainer" and hopes it "will pay dividends" to his career.
The 26-year-old, who has been struggling for minutes with the Magpies and spent last season on loan at Watford, is the first British player to join the famous Brazilian side and will be with them until the end of their season in December.
"Some people probably thought it was quite random and out of the blue - and I can’t argue with that," said Lewis.
"But if Sao Paulo were interested in my profile as a player and I’m interested in representing such a big club, it could be the start of a great journey.
"I've always been one to test myself. I've never wanted to stay and then look back on my career and think: 'What if I did this?' So I think this will pay dividends.
"How I play is what they wanted, in terms of getting forward and getting balls into the box. A lot of clubs use data these days; there's not a lot of guesswork in football so hopefully I can show on the pitch what they have researched."
Gossip: Magpies may go back in for Elangapublished at 08:49 7 September
08:49 7 September
Newcastle United could revisit a deal for Nottingham Forest's Sweden forward Anthony Elanga, 22, in January. (Football Insider), external
Send in your Newcastle questionspublished at 17:01 6 September
17:01 6 September
We are opening the floor for you to put your Magpies questions to BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck.
From the season's ambitions in 2024-25 to the help Eddie Howe needs in the January transfer market, we'll send a selection to Matthew for his thoughts.
Come back on Wednesday next week to see his answers.
'These are two gifted and adaptable technical coaches'published at 08:31 6 September
08:31 6 September
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe had an unusually lengthy news conference last week, grumbling about the Profit and Sustainability Rules that are scuppering his club's attempts to become a force in the world game.
Like his opposite number Ange Postecoglou, he isn’t the naturally embittered moaning manager type, so both knuckled down to what became an interesting 90 minutes. Players usually decide matches but just sometimes the coaches have the decisive effect.
Newcastle led through a fine Harvey Barnes finish at the break; Ange didn't wait for the ubiquitous hour mark to wield his influence. Midfielder Pape Sarr was sacrificed, attacker Brennan Johnson was introduced and the system tweaked so James Maddison was free to find deeper space.
The net result was utter domination of the play, a goal made by substitute Johnson 10 minutes later and the game turned on its head. There was only one likely winner at that point, and it wasn't Newcastle.
Howe gave it five minutes and was then just as radical and influential with his changes. First, Jacob Murphy and then returning Italian star Sandro Tonali came on to regain a midfield foothold. Murphy himself then set up Alexander Isak for the winner.
I could spend pages on the intricacies of the tactical changes, but the headlines above are enough to underline that these are two gifted and adaptable technical coaches.
Is either likely to grab fourth place? Well, both teams are flawed to some degree, but then so are all the others vying for that position.
And, occasionally, the moment just calls for romance.
Gossip: Newcastle still interested in free agent Rabiotpublished at 07:33 6 September
07:33 6 September
Newcastle United and Manchester United remain in the mix to sign 29-year-old free agent Adrien Rabiot, despite an offer from Galatasaray being on the table for the France midfielder, who left Juventus this summer. (Teamtalk), external
Newcastle and Liverpool are likely to have to pay a release clause - of above the current £70m asking price - to sign 24-year-old England defender Marc Guehi, if he signs a new Crystal Palace deal. (Football Insider), external
Meanwhile, the Magpies have paid £10m to settle a long-running tax battle with HM Revenue and Customs. (Sun), external
'Lack of cohesion a concern' but picking up points 'a good sign'published at 14:04 5 September
14:04 5 September
We asked you for your views on how Newcastle have started the season - and where you thought they might finish.
The most popular selection from respondents was between sixth and 10th (46%), while 31% believe the Magpies will end the campaign in fifth spot.
Here are some of your comments:
Andrew: We know, from experience, that Eddie Howe will get more out of the team than he is right now. Give it a few games and we'll be closing down every ball. We're getting results in a poor fashion at the moment, but we've not got our season going yet. Expect more Champions League football and a superb January signing.
Will: Newcastle haven't played well but have picked up points which is a good sign. We do need to improve if we are to achieve European football. Howe was let down during the window and that might cost Newcastle this season as it is a fantastic opportunity to get back into Champions League. Europa League would be an astonishing achievement.
Tom: We were hoping for more in the transfer window, but it is hard to improve our starting XI. If Howe and the lads can pull off a blinder and qualify for the Champions League, we will have more cash and the best players will want to join next window, when they didn't this summer.
Noel: Newcastle have shown defensive grit and determination in their games thus far. They've also shown they always have the capacity to score a goal or two with the likes of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes in the side. A concern is the lack of cohesion in the play. Hopefully the lack of some key signings in central defence and right wing won't be problematic.
Utsav: We've had a good start to the season, though luck has played a big role. However, the lack of a quality centre-back and proper right-winger may cost us a European spot. The cold feeling at the end of transfer window during the Mike Ashley era is back again after a few promising seasons. I just hope this doesn't end with Howe leaving to take up the England job.
'Everyone adamant we'll get top four'published at 12:06 5 September
12:06 5 September
Newcastle United host Justin Lockwood spoke to BBC Radio Newcastle's Total Sport podcast about his expectations for the Magpies this season:
"It's a really tough question after three games.
"Part of my matchday duties is going around the suites [at St James' Park] with John Beresford. He is adamant that we'll finish top four. We had Nikos Dabizas in the suite and he is also adamant about top four. Dave McCreery is still a big Newcastle fan and he thinks top four.
"Everyone I've spoken to so far this season is super confident.
"I think we've got a great chance in [the League Cup] because our mentality towards the cups is really strong. Getting to that final against Manchester United has given us a taste.
"At the final stages of that game, we were losing but the fans made it such a spectacle. It's that kind of reaction from the fans that filters down onto the players who would love to provide that moment again."
What did fans think in our poll on Wednesday? - check it out
Pope hopes to use experience to help Livramento with Englandpublished at 12:06 5 September
12:06 5 September
Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope hopes his experience will be a benefit to some of the younger players in the England team.
Pope made his England debut in 2018 and has won 10 caps, as well as being part of the past two World Cup squads.
"It's nice when you've been here before and you've got that experience," said the 32-year-old.
"Tino [Livramento] has come with me from the club, who is new into the squad, so to be able to help him in any way I can is nice, and I'm looking forward to using that experience - whether it's driving training or just speaking to the lads."
Pope's Newcastle team-mate Kieran Trippier will not be involved in England's upcoming Nations League games against Republic of Ireland and Finland, having recently announced his retirement from international football.
"It's a big hole to fill. He's a top player, a top professional and someone who has represented England at the top level for a long time," said Pope. "He can hold his head really high and be really proud of what he achieved."
'Massive blow if Trippier was to leave'published at 09:05 5 September
09:05 5 September
Newcastle's summer transfer targets were quite public, with Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi being a key one for cover in that centre-half position, and Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga another one that they wanted.
It is difficult for a manager when you want to add to a small squad, which they have, and you are unable to bring in those players that you want.
Callum Wilson has been out for a long time and we know how important he has been for Newcastle. Sandro Tonali also had to serve his ban, but he is like a new signing for them now and a real breath of fresh air.
Then there has been all this talk around Kieran Trippier. The right-back brings leadership to the team and they look better when he is on the pitch. It would be a massive blow if he was to leave, so I do not understand why he is not playing.
If you look at Newcastle's backline, he was key to how they played. I think it has disrupted the team a bit by taking the captaincy away from him and making him the vice instead. It is a big thing to do.
But the reason why Newcastle have picked up seven points so far this season is because they have created a really good culture and togetherness within the team. That has happened since Eddie Howe joined. He has got players who work hard and sacrifice their own style of play to fit into what he wants. That is what we saw two seasons ago when they qualified for the Champions League.
Not having European football will help them this season with their hopes to finish in the top six and picking up points at home will be important. St James' Park is a nightmare for any team to visit because the fans are unbelievable and make it really difficult.
Newcastle will look to finish anywhere between fourth and sixth this season. They might have struggled last season in Europe - but they will certainly want to be back up there.
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford
Trippier has been 'immense help' to Livramentopublished at 09:02 5 September
09:02 5 September
Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento has said club team-mate Kieran Trippier has been an immense help since his move to the Magpies, following his first England call-up.
The former Southampton defender told BBC Radio 5 Live: "He has been an immense help to me, not just football-wise, but helping me settle. It's tough when you move from a club which is furthest south to a club which is furthest north.
"He helped me get settled straight away and then on the pitch he's just a different level. [He is] someone who I look up to and watch every day in training, trying to take parts of their game into mine."
Livramento, 21, will hope to make his senior international debut in one of England's upcoming Nations League matches against Republic of Ireland and Finland.
Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Trippier - who has since retired from international football - were the right-back options in England's Euro 2024 squad, while others such as Reece James and Rico Lewis could also come into contention for that role.
"I think that just shows the quality coming through in every age group and now it has got to the seniors," added Livramento. "There are so many quality players in that position.
"Hopefully I get given an opportunity and then I will have to take it."
🎧 'I'll win ugly every week!'published at 08:15 5 September
08:15 5 September
A new Total Sport Newcastle United podcast episode is now available to listen to and download on BBC Sounds.
Raul Kohli is joined by Justin Lockwood to talk a positive start to the season in terms of results and where the Magpies need to improve after the international break.
Gossip: Turkish interest in Trippierpublished at 08:06 5 September
08:06 5 September
Istanbul Basaksehir are one of four Turkish clubs who have made Newcastle a loan offer with an option to buy for 33-year-old ex-England defender Kieran Trippier. (Sky Sports, external)
How do you feel and what do you predict?published at 13:04 4 September
13:04 4 September
The dust has settled on the transfer window, the Premier League is well and truly back, and we are into the first international break of 2024-25.
So we want you to predict where Newcastle United will finish in the Premier League this season - thinking about their start to the campaign and summer transfer business.
'They cannot go through a third window without a major signing'published at 12:07 4 September
12:07 4 September
Matthew Raisbeck BBC Radio Newcastle reporter
Newcastle United have got most things right in the transfer market over the last three years, but this summer was undoubtedly a massive disappointment.
In July, chief executive Darren Eales said the club would "strengthen the squad within the headroom we have got". At that stage, they had already signed Lewis Hall permanently, brought in Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer and added two back-up goalkeepers.
But the only new face that followed after that was young forward William Osula from relegated Sheffield United.
There is lot of fan frustration and, for the first time since the takeover, some anger towards the club over their approach to transfers, particularly as many rival clubs did significant business.
Profit and sustainability rules were undoubtedly an issue, forcing a frantic end to the last Premier League financial year and young talents Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh sold for big money to ensure the club was compliant with the rules.
And, in that context, it is important to point out that despite interest from other clubs, the Magpies crucially managed to keep hold of their star players: Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon.
However, when they missed out on free agent Tosin Adarabioyo, who opted to join Chelsea, a problem arose: if they were intending to spend most of their budget on a forward, they would have to redirect some money into the search for a centre-back.
In the end - after a prolonged and very public pursuit of Marc Guehi, plus a late move towards Antony Elanga - they got neither.
Fans seem to be split on whether roughly £70m for the Crystal Palace defender represented value for money, but many are asking why Newcastle - who were clearly willing to spend the money - did not move on to other targets when the Guehi deal stalled.
Eddie Howe's response was that there is a relatively small number of players that Newcastle think can improve their starting XI and they cannot afford to make a mistake in the market because of PSR.
The Magpies have made an unbeaten start to the season and it can still be another exciting campaign, but the issues that were not addressed over the summer will still be apparent in January.
The club have put themselves under massive pressure to deliver next time and surely they cannot go through a third transfer window without making a major signing.
It would be good to hear from Eales and new sporting director Paul Mitchell, whose background is in player recruitment.
Hopefully, that will happen during the international break.
Listen to full commentary on every Newcastle United game, and have your say on the Magpies on Total Sport North East every weeknight from 18:00, on BBC Radio Newcastle.
'He’s not a new signing... but he feels like one'published at 12:42 3 September
12:42 3 September
Charlotte Robson Newcastle United Fan Writer
Sandro Tonali made his return to Premier League football this weekend after a 10-month ban, playing a part in Newcastle’s 2-1 win over Spurs (who really did Spurs their way through that game). We have been warned against calling him “like a new signing” because that might suggest satisfaction with a deeply unsatisfactory transfer window but.. I mean...
Tonali actually returned to competitive football in the week, starting against Nottingham Forest for Newcastle in the League Cup. I think this start, away from home, actually was the perfect return - he was (literally, at the end) embraced by supporters but it meant there was a little less pressure on him at home. Giant flag display in the Gallowgate End of St James’ Park celebrating our ‘midfield maestro from Milano’ notwithstanding.
Tonali was brought on as a substitute for Sean Longstaff at around the 70-minute mark on Sunday and oh my goodness, what an upgrade. No disrespect to Longstaff, who I think most fans like and who has been incredibly consistent for his boyhood club and, in fact, scored our winning penalty in mid-week, but the ability Tonali has on the ball just elevated our game immediately.
We saw it in the Cup game and we saw it on Sunday. Tonali does not shy away from difficult passes, and can use his physicality to block two, even three opposition players from getting onto the ball. He also makes decisions quickly and has the skill to execute accurate passes to push the ball up the pitch. It’s hard not to be excited about his return and the impact he will have on the side this season (if he stays fit... big if, for Newcastle). He’s not a new signing. But he feels a bit like one.
Gossip: Three Turkish clubs interested in Trippierpublished at 07:20 3 September
07:20 3 September
Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Eyupspor are all interested in signing Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier, after Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad also tried to sign the 33-year-old. (Sky Sports), external
Newcastle 2-1 Tottenham - the fans' verdictpublished at 12:21 2 September
12:21 2 September
We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Newcastle and Tottenham.
Here are some of your comments:
Newcastle fans
David: It was one of those games. Spurs did not take their chances and we punished them for it. They were the better team but grit and finishing got us through.
Nathan: I think there's something missing tactically for Newcastle - we shouldn't have that little of the ball. However this completely shows why our attacking players were linked with £50m+ and £100m+ moves because they are that good.
Ward: We took our chances and Spurs didn’t, plain and simple. Sandro Tonali made a big difference when he came on, stabilising the midfield and spreading the play. We’re still not clicking though and will be struggling when we have any injuries after a disappointing transfer window.
Nick: Seven points out of a possible nine is a fantastic start to the season, considering we’ve not been at our best. Lucky to beat Spurs but we got the job done and have a platform to build on for the rest of the season.
Spurs fans
Lol: We have to make our possession in the final third start to count. Hopefully Dominic Solanke and/or Richarlison can get fit quick and give us a bit more power through the middle. There was a cross from Brennan Johnson along the ground in the second half that was begging for a touch, but we had nobody anywhere near it.
Martin: Same old problems, which is deeply frustrating. No plan B and lack of conviction and belief. The manager has to shoulder a lot of the blame. We have a soft centre.
Roger: Same story - playing good football and dominating the game wins nothing if you keep bottling the final pass, cannot finish and then switch off defensively. Players need to stop thinking that they are better than they are and focus on concentrating in the key moments. Pretty football alone is not enough at this level. Johnson and Cristian Romero please note!
Keef: Let's not forget that Newcastle are a good side at home and we got beat there 4-0 last season and 5-1 before that. The lack of a natural striker on the pitch and bench did for us. We had more possession and chances, but as per last season we didn't make the most of them. Hopefully things will improve after the international break when Solanke is back.