While -- for most fanbases -- transfer windows are a refreshing break from the hectic football schedule, for Newcastle fans they have proved increasingly frustrating in recent years.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund took over the Mappies with an eye to making them an elite competitor in England's top-flight, and while they ended their 70-year trophy drought in the form of the EFL Cup in the 2024/25 season, they've ultimately failed to build on any success thus far.
The reluctant sale of Alexander Isak proved a major blow last summer, while the more recent departures of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali once again demonstrated an inability to keep hold of their key players.
On top of a number of key exits, Newcastle have missed out on several primary targets in the transfer window -- most notably in the 2025 summer.
We take a look at what the Newcastle starting XI could have looked like if they signed their transfer targets.
GK - James Trafford
Newcastle looked to be closing in on the signing of James Trafford last summer in a bid to bolster their goalkeeper department, but Manchester City -- the shot-stopper's former side -- succeeded in making a last-ditch attempt for the Englishman in a deal worth £31m
RB - Tino Livramento
The fact that the Magpies haven't entered the market for a right-back since signing Tino Livramento in 2024 is testament to how good he is, and they may face a battle to retain his services should Man City and Arsenal reignite their interest in the England international.
CB - Marc Guehi
Newcastle submitted four bids to Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi -- all of which were rejected -- but by the time that the 2025 summer transfer window came round and he had just 12 months remaining on his contract, clubs were queuing up to strike a deal for the centre back.
Liverpool were seemingly minutes away from completing the signing on transfer deadline day, only for Crystal Palace to pull the plug on the deal, and Man City swooped in in January 2026, signing the 26-year-old for £20m.
CB - Dean Huijsen
Newcastle were amongst the clubs tracking Dean Huijsen when it came to light that he had a £50m release clause at Bournemouth last season, but it was Spanish giants Real Madrid who moved fastest for the highly-rated central defender.
LB - Lewis Hall
Lewis Hall has been a breath of fresh air since making the permanent switch to St James' Park in 2024, and -- despite reported interest from Chelsea and Manchester United -- Newcastle look set to keep him for at least one more season.
RM - Bryan Mbeumo
Newcastle reportedly made Bryan Mbeumo their primary right-wing target last summer, but the Cameroonian's heart was always set on Man Utd -- rejecting the North East outfit to join the 20-time top-flight winners for a reported £71m fee.
CM - Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes has outlasted the likes of Isak, Gordon and Tonali at Newcastle, but it remains to be seen as to how long he will be wearing the famous black and white stripes.
He reportedly informed the club of his wish to leave as early as last week, with Arsenal set to step up their pursuit for the Brazil international.
CM - Johan Manzambi
Johan Manzambi is the most recent addition to a growing list of names who have turned down the opportunity to sign for Newcastle, opting to join Premier League rivals Aston Villa despite agreeing personal terms with the Magpies.
LM - Victor Munoz
Newcastle's relationship with Liverpool undoubtedly deteriorated following the Isak saga last summer, and you can't imagine that they'll feel too fondly about the Reds hijacking their deal to sign their primary target to replace Anthony Gordon in Victor Munoz.
ST - Hugo Ekitike
Newcastle targeted Hugo Ekitike with an eye to playing him alongside Isak in a 4-4-2 formation.
Once the Magpies informed Liverpool that Isak was not for sale, they quickly pivoted to secure the signature of Ekitike, only to return later in the window and strike a deal for the Swede, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of Newcastle supporters.
ST - Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko joined a long list of strikers who rejected Newcastle in the 2025/26 summer transfer window.
After failing to persuade Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Ekitike that St James' Park was the place to be, they targeted Sesko, but -- like Mbeumo -- he preferred a move to Man Utd.
