Coming out of the summer transfer window, Newcastle United fans have plenty of reason to be happy with what the club produced. Things had started off shaky. But it turned around late on.
Firstly, a number of the additions, who were no big names, appeared to perform at a higher level than expected. Secondly, some established additions were made late in the window.
Nico Gonzalez was brought in from Manchester City. The Spanish midfielder made his debut at the weekend against Tottenham Hotspur and looked excellent.
On the other hand, Matias Fernandez-Pardo‘s signing was completed on the deadline day of the summer transfer window. And the hope is that he will prove to be an excellent addition in the long run.
There is one more elite signing that Newcastle United had attempted to make this summer though. One that did not really break to the media until late. And it is one that a lot of fans might have ended up missing.
Newcastle United made offer to Borussia Dortmund
According to reports in Germany, Borussia Dortmund were offered the chance to sign Nick Woltemade plus a fee for the transfer of Felix Nmecha. But it was turned down by the Bundesliga giants.
It makes sense though. Borussia Dortmund were linked with a late move for Woltemade. And the striker did eventually end up leaving Newcastle United on deadline day.
Germany was not his destination though. Instead, Woltemade has ended up joining Juventus on a straight loan deal for the rest of the season. There is no option or obligation included in it.
On the other hand, Newcastle United were linked with Nmecha going back to June. But eventually, a move did not materialise for the Magpies.
Did Newcastle do enough this summer?
It remains to be seen how successful Newcastle United’s summer rebuild actually was. It would be far too reactionary to make any judgements based on what we have seen in merely the first few weeks of the season.
There is a lot more football to be played. But so far so good. Newcastle United had looked completely out of sorts in pre-season but have looked a lot better as the season has kicked off off.
They drew 2-2 against Liverpool on the opening Premier League weekend and would have won if not for a penalty deep into added time for the visitors. That was followed up by a League Cup win over West Bromwich Albion and a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in their own backyard.
The Magpies are looking good. There are no two ways about it. Now, it remains to be seen if they can continue on this trajectory in the long run or not.
