The transfer window finally slammed shut earlier this week and Premier League clubs can now fully focus on upcoming fixtures – rather than who’s coming or going.
Succeeding the close of the window, a few of our writers got together to discuss Newcastle’s summer signings and whether the club made the right choices.
Georginio Wijnaldum
Thomas: The Dutch Player of the Year signed for £14.5million from PSV Eindhoven – is there really an argument against signing him? He scored 18 goals last season from central midfield – an impressive feat when compared to our highest scoring midfielder Jack Colback who netted four times last season.
Michael: Quality signing and a massive statement for the club. He turned down PSG last summer too – that’s just how good he is.
Evin: One of the best signing of the summer in my opinion. Worth twice as much in today’s market and I’m surprised he didn’t sign for a top Champions League club. Great business by Newcastle.
Adam: I was dubious at first because it’s a lot of money and we needed to strengthen other areas first, but given Siem de Jong’s injury record, Gini is a top signing. He gives us a classy cutting edge.
Moliver: Going into the season, in the least offensive way possible, looking at your midfield, it didn’t look good at all. Now with the addition of Wijnaldum, you have a pacey midfielder who pressures opponents and can run the game. Not to mention he tracks back and does his business too.
Thomas: May I ask what it was about our midfield that looked so poor in your eyes?
Moliver: Colback was decent, but Anita and Tiote didn’t look good enough or consistent enough for me.
It just seems like Gini has raised everyone’s game, it’s remarkable really – maybe it’s McClaren too. I mean, Carver was awful.
Under his management, teams could just walk through you. Proper coaching helps. Gini also adds something to your midfield you haven’t had in a long time and that’s goals. Can’t remember your last goalscoring midfielder.
Evin: Nolan, years ago.
Moliver: *bursts into laughter* Super Kev.
Aleksandar Mitrovic
Moliver: Mr Foul. He loves bookings. He and Tiote play booking Bogies – whoever can get the most bookings wins.
Thomas: Ill-discipline aside, it looks like we’ve signed a decent player in Mitrovic. Unlucky to pick up a yellow against Swansea considering we won the freekick anyway, and a very harsh red card against Arsenal.
Evin: A big risk in my opinion. Personally would have preferred Austin but you can see Mitrovic possesses the quality to score goals in the Premier League. He needs to improve on his mentality and discipline big time. It’s a good ambitious signing, though.
Michael: I really, really like him. His eagerness to impress and let the opposition know he’s there will get him goals. He’s a great signing, especially when you compare him to Manchester United’s Anthony Martial who cost (potentially) €80million.
Adam: Charlie Austin would’ve cost a fraction more and is a proven, consistent performer.
Thomas: He definitely has the potential to be far better than Austin and I think that’s what we’ve bought into. It’s just a big risk though, considering his age and our alternative, Mr Foul’s sidekick, Papiss Cisse – who was banned for 10 games last season.
Moliver: His scoring record for such a young player is impress, despite it being in a small league.
He’s got the physicality and the playing style to take the Premier League by storm.
But he needs to tone down the temper and reel in those risky challenges otherwise he’ll spend more time on the sidelines than on the pitch.
Evin: I don’t know why, but I just have a bad gut feeling about him. Hopefully, he gets a goal soon and kick on.
Moliver: It’s hard to judge him so far, Newcastle have had some tough fixtures to open the season where you can’t be as open and attacking as you’d wish. He’s been isolated at times. I would love to see a Mitrovic – Ayoze partnership.
Adam: We needed proven quality over potential this season.
Thomas: Is Austin that proven quality though? Pretty sure, after Michu’s debut season, clubs were lining u for his signature. Would you spend £15million on him now? Of course not.
Michael: One season doesn’t prove anything. Players suffer ‘second season syndrome’ and Austin could be another victim.
Adam: Austin has scored goals through his career, of all different types in all different styled teams. He’s like a good Rickie Lambert.
Moliver: Was Wilfried Bony a proven quality striker when he signed for Swansea? Got to take risks sometimes and believe in your scouting, which is what Newcastle did with Mitrovic.
Chancel Mbemba
Evin: An absolute bargain. He was born to play in the Premier League. He’s great on the ball and a good reader of the game too. Amazing athleticism.
Michael: He has the potential to be the best defender at the club since the first Keegan era. Given time, if John Stones is worth £30million+, then he has the potential to be worth that too.
Adam: He’s a beast. The tuxedo led the way and the performances have matches the high standard it set. He’s arguably the most important signing given how appalling we were defensively last year.
Thomas: I’m actually so glad that he hit the ground running considering just how poor our defensive options are.
Moliver: For years Newcastle have needed a commanding centre-half to partner the just about viable Coloccini and Mbemba is that man. He’s quick and agile to keep up with the Aguero’s and Walcott’s of the Premier League, while also being a huge physical specimen able to compete in the air or on the ground with the brutes of the Premier League.
