Winners and losers from transfer deadline day: Tottenham signed how many players?

Loser: Newcastle

Another disappointing transfer window for Newcastle fans, which has become commonplace under Mike Ashley’s ownership. The lack of investment in the squad is worrying and Rafa Benitez will have a huge task on his hands keeping them up.

A large part of the squad was used in their promotion push from two seasons ago, so reinforcements were needed. Unfortunately funds have been limited, so their outgoings have funded any business they have made. Aleksandar Mitrovic and Mikel Merino were sold for good prices, but Merino was one of Newcastle’s best players last season even though he had injury issues.

Yoshinori Muto, Fabian Schar, Martin Dubravka, Salomon Rondon, Sung-yong Ki and Federico Fernandez have all been brought in. None of them cost much, and only Schar and Rondon are likely to have a sizable impact. None of them are major signings, though, and it means Benitez has to work another miracle to keep the Magpies in the Premier League

The squad has been trimmed down effectively because unwanted players such as Chancel Mbemba and Matz Sels have been moved on for decent prices. However, they aren’t blessed with talent and will be reliant on Benitez’s organizational skills to create a cohesive unit similar to last season. They’re highly dependent on Rondon or Muto hitting the ground running because they’ll struggle for goals otherwise and are weak in the wing and full-back areas.

A good transfer window could have seen them consolidate a successful first season back in the Premier League, but instead it leaves them as a relegation contender and they could really struggle because the teams around them have strengthened. Aside from Cardiff, the promoted sides have stronger squads than them as well. Another tough season lies ahead and it all stems from this window.