The 2024-25 season will be remembered as a watershed moment for Newcastle United fans, as the Magpies not only secured a long-awaited return to the Champions League but also ended a nearly thirty-year drought for domestic silverware. St. James' Park was awash with jubilation as Eddie Howe's men clinched a top-five Premier League finish, racking up 66 points—six more than their previous campaign—and narrowly edging out Aston Villa for the final Champions League berth, thanks to a superior goal difference. That dramatic push was not without its nerves, as Newcastle stumbled on the last day against Everton, but their overall consistency ultimately paid off.
The crowning achievement, however, came at Wembley Stadium, where Newcastle United lifted the Carabao Cup after a gritty 2-1 victory over Liverpool. Dan Burn and Alexander Isak etched their names into club folklore with decisive goals, sealing Newcastle's first major trophy since 1995. For supporters who had waited almost three decades for such a moment, the win was nothing short of euphoric. The club's resurgence under Eddie Howe has been nothing if not remarkable, transforming Newcastle from perennial mid-table dwellers into genuine contenders on both the domestic and European stages.
With the new season on the horizon, anticipation is at fever pitch on Tyneside. European nights are set to return to St. James' Park, and expectations are higher than ever. The club's hierarchy, led by Eddie Howe, has wasted little time in strengthening the squad, signaling their intent to cement Newcastle's status among the Premier League's elite. The summer transfer window has already seen a flurry of activity, both in terms of arrivals and departures, as the Magpies look to build on their recent success.
One of the most eye-catching moves of the window was the acquisition of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. The Swedish winger arrived in a headline-grabbing transfer worth £55 million (approximately $74 million), immediately adding pace and flair to Newcastle's attacking options. Elanga's signing is viewed as a statement of ambition, as the club seeks to bolster its frontline and compete on multiple fronts in the upcoming campaign.
Another key addition is Antonito Cordero, the highly rated young prospect from Malaga. The Spanish midfielder joined Newcastle on a free transfer, signing a five-year contract that underscores the club's commitment to nurturing talent for the future. While Cordero is tipped to head out on loan for the 2025-26 season to gain valuable first-team experience, his arrival has been met with excitement among fans and pundits alike. The Magpies' focus on youth development is evident, and Cordero's progress will be closely monitored.
In the goalkeeping department, Newcastle acted swiftly after their pursuit of James Trafford ended in disappointment. The club secured the services of Aaron Ramsdale on loan from relegated Southampton, bringing in a proven Premier League shot-stopper to provide competition and depth between the posts. Ramsdale's arrival is seen as a shrewd move, especially given the demands of competing in both domestic and European competitions this season.
On the defensive front, Lloyd Kelly's situation has come full circle. After joining Newcastle on loan from Juventus during the January transfer window, Kelly's move was made permanent on June 30, 2025, for a fee of £14.5 million (€17.5 million). The mandatory purchase clause was triggered by performance-based conditions met during his loan stint. However, Kelly has now returned to Juventus, closing the chapter on his time at St. James' Park. His departure leaves a gap in the backline, one that Newcastle are actively seeking to fill as they continue to scout for reinforcements at center-back, right-wing, and striker positions.
The summer window has also seen several notable exits. Sean Longstaff, a product of Newcastle's academy, completed a £12 million (€13.8 million) transfer to Leeds United. Longstaff's departure marks the end of an era for a player who embodied the club's spirit during some of its most challenging times. Meanwhile, Martin Dubravka has moved to Burnley for an undisclosed fee, and Jamal Lewis, Callum Wilson, and John Ruddy have all left the club and are currently without a team as of August 10, 2025. These departures reflect the club's ongoing evolution, as they reshape the squad to meet the demands of the coming season.
Perhaps the most pressing storyline for Newcastle fans is the future of Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker, who played a pivotal role in the club's Carabao Cup triumph and Champions League qualification, has attracted significant interest from Liverpool. Reports suggest that Liverpool are considering a bid in the region of £130 million, but Newcastle are determined to hold onto their star forward. Retaining Isak is seen as crucial to the club's ambitions, and negotiations are ongoing as the transfer window progresses. Alongside Isak, Anthony Gordon has also drawn attention from rival clubs, adding another layer of intrigue to Newcastle's pre-season preparations.
Manager Eddie Howe has been vocal about the club's ambitions and the need to strengthen the squad further. According to recent reports, "Newcastle are also actively scouting reinforcements across several key areas, including a right-winger, central defender, and a second striker to add depth to Howe's options." The club's proactive approach in the transfer market reflects a desire not just to compete, but to challenge for honors on all fronts.
Looking ahead, the 2025-26 season promises to be a defining chapter in Newcastle United's modern history. With Champions League football returning to St. James' Park and a squad brimming with talent and ambition, the Magpies are poised to take on the best in England and Europe. The return of European nights will bring added excitement and pressure, but if recent history is any guide, Newcastle fans have every reason to be optimistic.
As the transfer window remains open and speculation continues to swirl around key players, one thing is certain: Newcastle United are a club on the rise, determined to build on their recent successes and forge a new legacy. The action is far from over, and supporters will be watching closely as the Magpies prepare for another thrilling campaign.
