The Magpies signed five players in total - although only four were new faces after Lewis Hall’s loan move from Chelsea was turned 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.
Frustration lingers on Tyneside, but all could be forgotten about if Howe’s side - bolstered by Sandro Tonali’s return - go on to have a successful first-half of the campaign.
For all the noise, United have started the campaign well, collecting seven points from a possible nine in the Premier League and advancing into the third round of the Carabao Cup. 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