The summer transfer window is closed, and Newcastle United are led to reflect on what ultimately proved to be a disappointing one.
The Magpies signed five players - although only four were new faces as such with Lewis Hall’s loan from Chelsea turning permanent. Lloyd Kelly and John Ruddy arrived on a free transfers from AFC Bournemouth and Birmingham City, respectively, while Will Osula joined from Sheffield United and Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest as part of the PSR-forced deal that saw Elliot Anderson head to the City Ground.
Eddie Howe had identified the need to sign a centre-back and right forward this summer but in the end secured neither. Newcastle, for the best part of a month, chased a deal for Marc Guehi, only for negotiations to break down with Crystal Palace just over 24 hours before the deadline.
Reflecting on the transfer window, Howe said: "Without going into the individual situation here, we've tried to sign several players. It's never been about one player. It can never be about one player, because as soon as you're in that position, then your negotiation strength is over.
"So, no, we've tried for several targets, but it still has to be the right player though. And there isn't an unlimited number of players. It's not like you can, well, we'll just go on to the next one, the next one, the next one. Because then the quality dilutes and then you have to question whether you're doing the right thing for the long-term future of the club.
"There isn't a bottomless pit of money. We're not able to spend that way. Everything that we do has a long-term consequence. So you've got to be very sure whatever you do is right for the long-term future and short-term future of the club."
Disappointment ligers on Tyneside, but all could be forgotten about if Howe’s side go on to have a successful first-half of the campaign. What is Howe’s strongest XI? Here’s what we think:
1. GK: Nick Pope
Newcastle are well-stocked with goalkeepers, none of whom are likely to displace Pope. | Getty Images
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
A summer of speculation but Trippier stays, and, in my opinion, remains the club's best right-back even though Tino Livramento has already replaced him at international level. | Getty Images
3. CB: Fabian Schar
The failure to sign Marc Guehi, or indeed an alternative, leaves Schar as the club's only recognised right-sided CB. The Swiss is key to the way NUFC want to play even if Krafth, an unsung hero, has performed well recently. | Getty Images
4. CB: Dan Burn
There was a time when Burn was seen as a LB but a move back inside the centre of defence has brought out the best in the 32-year-old. Been solid since April onwards. | Getty Images