Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe admitted he was far from pleased to see a key figure leave the club this summer. He followed the departures of Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson.
Despite the signing of Anthony Elanga, it is fair to say that this summer has been far from ideal for the Magpies. Just one major addition to the first team despite appearing to be very close to a deal for several players since the transfer window opened in June.
Joao Pedro rejected a move to Newcastle United in favour of Chelsea, where he has already won silverware. Elsewhere, Newcastle appear to have lost the race for James Trafford, despite reports saying the deal was set to be completed.
Trafford had even been telling people he was joining Newcastle this summer, so he was convinced a deal was close to completion. The 22-year-old could now be heading to Manchester City, his former club.
Additionally, Newcastle missed out on Liam Delap to Chelsea earlier in the summer despite direct talks with the club and a willingness to match his £30million release clause.
There have also been exits from Newcastle this summer, with the likes of Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson leaving, but it was another move which tipped Eddie Howe over the edge.
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Eddie Howe left fuming by Paul Mitchell’s Newcastle United exit
Despite a rocky start to their relationship, Howe and now former sporting director Paul Mitchell appeared to iron out their creases and were ready to work to get the players they desperately needed in this summer.
However, it all came crashing down when news that Paul Mitchell was leaving Newcastle arose. The 43-year-old failed to make a major signing at Newcastle in the 12 months he was in the role, with just William Osula joining on his watch.
