Premier League 2017-18: Ranking the transfer windows of all 20 teams
By James Dudko
18. Newcastle
Notable Ins: Mikel Merino, Christian Atsu, Florian Lejeune, Joselu, Jacob Murphy, Javier Manquillo
Notable Outs: Florian Thauvin, Vurnon Anita, Yoan Gouffran, Tim Krul
Newcastle came up as winners of the Championship, but have resembled a side from the lower division for most of the start of this campaign.
The reason is an uneven use of this summer’s transfer window. Manager Rafa Benitez hasn’t exactly been inundated with funds from owner Mike Ashley. So the Spaniard has had to get creative, something producing mixed results.
Securing the permanent capture of striker Joselu from Stoke was smart. His arrival has buoyed a squad short of credible firepower up top.
However, former Chelsea reserve Christian Atsu and well-travelled full-back Javier Manquillo have struggled to add much. Astu cost the club money, as did Jacob Murphy, a £12 million arrival from Championship side Nottingham Forest.
Yet the best signing may prove to be Dortmund loanee Mikel Merino. The 21-year-old Spaniard has a wand of a left foot and adds a quality touch to the Newcastle midfield.
Overall, though, quality is something lacking from too many important positions in this squad.
It’s surprising Benitez didn’t try to salvage the club’s investment in Florian Thauvin. He’s a mercurial but outrageously gifted creator who was allowed to return to France.
Newcastle’s decision to let evergreen goalkeeper Tim Krul join fellow Premier League Brighton on loan also looks like an unnecessary risk. Especially when this squad needs all the help it can get.