Hugo Ekitike & others: How Newcastle United transfer targets have fared so far this season

Newcastle United enjoyed a productive summer transfer window as they added four new signings to Eddie Howe’s squad.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope was tempted to Tyneside after suffering relegation with Burnley and Matt Targett’s loan spell was converted into a permanent move after he shone during the second half of last season.

The long-running efforts to sign Lille defender Sven Botman came to a successful close and the Magpies broke their transfer market to sign Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak just a week before the deadline.

But not all of United’s targets ended up at St James Park this summer.

NewcastleWorld assesses how some of them have performed so far this season.

James Maddison

The Leicester City midfielder was the subject of two unsuccessful bids from the Magpies but is still believed to be a player of interest for the United hierarchy.

Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Maddison has found some form during a poor start for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

The attacking midfielder has found the net on two occasions and provided one assist during the Foxes’ opening six games in all competitions.

Lucas Paqueta

Paqueta’s name was believed to be mentioned in meetings at St James Park but a formal bid for his services was never actually lodged.

The Brazil star made two appearances for Lyon as they claimed six points from home games against Troyes and Ajaccio - but had departed for West Ham United by the time they travelled to Reims.

Paqueta has made three appearances since joining the Hammers and appeared during the second-half of Thursday night’s Europa Conference League win against Romanian side FCSB.

Conor Gallagher

The Chelsea and England midfielder was on United’s wanted list this summer but the Blues opted against sending him out on loan for a second season.

Gallagher has made three starts and two appearances as a substitute - but was shown a red card during the first-half of his side’s 2-1 home win against Leicester City.

Joao Pedro

The Brazilian youngster seemed on his way to St James Park prior to Alexander Isak’s record-breaking move to Tyneside.

A number of unsuccessful bids were lodged with Watford - but he remained with the Hornets and will hope to fire them back into the Premier League.

Two goals and two assists from their opening seven games of the campaign represents a positive return.

Jack Harrison

The Leeds United winger is a player Eddie Howe is believed to have pushed the Magpies hierarchy to sign this summer.

However, the Whites refuted all interest and have been repaid with a fine return from the former Manchester City player.

Harrison has scored one goal and provided three assists as Jesse Marsch’s side have won two, drawn two and lost two of their opening six games.

Hugo Ekitike

The saga surrounding the France Under-21 international’s possible move to St James Park was finally - and some would say thankfully - brought to an end when he joined PSG on loan.

Ekitike is yet to find the net for the Ligue 1 giants and has made four substitute appearances so far this season, as well as being an unused substitute in PSG’s other two games.

Moussa Diaby

A high-profile target that reportedly remains on United’s wishlist, a move for the French winger remains on the agenda for the coming transfer windows.

Diaby remained with German club Bayer Leverkusen after the Bundesliga demanded a fee in excess of £60million for their prized asset.

Diaby has returned two goals and two assists in seven appearances in all competitions so far this season.

Armando Broja

Another reported loan target from Chelsea, the Albanian winger was the subject of interest from several Premier League clubs.

He remained at Stamford Bridge and has made five substitute appearances so far this season.  He will now have a new manager to impress after the Blues appointed Graham Potter as their new boss on Thursday.

Dean Henderson

The Manchester United goalkeeper was reportedly on the brink of joining Newcastle earlier this season - but started the campaign in the colours of Nottingham Forest.

He has started all six of their Premier League games so far and kept one clean sheet, as well as saving a penalty from Harry Kane in Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 win at the City Ground.

Diego Carlos

The former Sevilla centre-back was the subject of several bids from Newcastle during the January transfer window - and there was a tentative interest in a summer move.

However, the Brazilian defender joined Aston Villa in time for the new Premier League season.

His campaign already looks all but over after he ruptured his achilles in only his second appearance for Steven Gerrard’s side.

Jesse Lingard

Another player of interest during the January transfer window and there was speculation Lingard could make a free transfer move to Tyneside during the summer.

But he joined newly-promoted Nottingham Forest and has started five of their six games so far this season - but is yet to score or provide an assist for his new side.

Anthony Gordon

The Everton youngster was wanted by Newcastle, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur during the summer but remained with the Toffees when the transfer deadline passed.

The winger has been a real high point for Frank Lampard’s side during a testing start to the season.

Gordon has scored two goals in six appearances but has been unable to inspire his side to their first win of the season.