Newcastle United endured a transformative summer transfer window, with Matthias Jaissle arriving as head coach and several key players departing St James' Park. Midway through the window, Eddie Howe left the club after nearly five years, having delivered the 2025 Carabao Cup and two Champions League qualifications.
The exits of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes prompted eight new signings: Nico Gonzalez, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Bazoumana Toure, Aladji Bamba, Lukas Hornicek, Sean Steur, Ewen Jaouen and Amar Dedic. However, the club also missed out on several other targets, with Chronicle Live detailing the 10 deals that fell through and how those players are performing.
Munoz and Bouaddi choose rivals
Victor Munoz had a transfer fee and personal terms agreed with Osasuna before the World Cup ended, with Newcastle laying groundwork for a medical in the United States as he represented eventual winners Spain. He was seen as a potential replacement for Gordon, who joined Barcelona for £69million, but Liverpool activated Munoz's release clause and signed him instead.
The 23-year-old has two goal contributions for the Reds and said Andoni Iraola was the deciding factor. Munoz explained: "It's an opportunity you can't pass up. He [Iraola] transmitted his confidence to me, the way his team plays… he played an important role in my decision. It all happened very quickly. I've been focused on the World Cup. I didn't want to hear much about my future unless it was something concrete."
Ayyoub Bouaddi was another target, with Newcastle aware of the midfielder since February and joining Arsenal, Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain in registering interest. The 18-year-old ultimately joined Manchester City in an £86m deal and is being integrated slowly into Enzo Maresca's side.
Manzambi, Rodriguez and El Khannouss
Johan Manzambi snubbed Newcastle for Aston Villa, signing for just over £50m. The Switzerland international told 20mins: "The plan presented worked out, I was happy with it. There are always a lot of rumours when a transfer happens, but you have to be careful what you believe." He has one goal and one assist for Villa, both against Tottenham in a 3-2 win.
Javi Rodriguez was a late target from Celta Vigo, also watched by Everton, Fulham and PSG, but the 23-year-old remained in La Liga and has recently been relegated to the bench. Bilal El Khannouss, a long-term Newcastle target, impressed on loan at Stuttgart, which made his deal permanent; the Morocco international has six appearances and one goal.
Mingueza, Hojbjerg and Palhinha
Oscar Mingueza became a free agent and was tracked by Newcastle, but Crystal Palace secured his signature. He has made sporadic appearances, including two Premier League substitute outings and a full 90 minutes against Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was seen as the experience Newcastle needed after Guimaraes' exit, with a £15m transfer agreed with Marseille. However, he rejected the move and subsequently lost the captain's armband at Marseille; RMC Sport reported the decision left owner Frank McCourt frustrated. He has made six appearances, scoring against Strasbourg.
Joao Palhinha was monitored by Newcastle after a loan at Tottenham, but instead signed a four-year deal with Benfica. The 31-year-old has made six appearances without a goal contribution.
Froholdt and Gomes remain at Porto
Victor Froholdt was another Guimaraes replacement option, but Porto placed a £73m release clause on the 20-year-old, who expressed a desire to stay in Portugal. Speaking in August, he said: "I'm focused on the next game, for the championship. I like being here. Now, we are going all out for the championship." He remains with Porto, scoring two goals in seven appearances.
William Gomes, Froholdt's Porto teammate, was also a target after scoring 13 goals and assisting twice last season. The 20-year-old has added four more goal contributions in nine appearances this season.
