It's that time of year once again. 24 hours of football fans up and down the country glued to their screens, hoping their team can squeeze one more addition over the line in the closing stages of the window.
For Newcastle United, the final day of the summer market used to represent one of two things. Either the disappointing realisation the Magpies wouldn't be engaging in any late deals, or the sheer panic of leaving their business until the final few hours of the three-month window.
Just 12 months ago, Newcastle were in an all too familiar position. The club's inept ownership had long declared there would be no more money available at the business end of the summer, while Steve Bruce was actively disobeying that command by ringing Premier League clubs to try and get late deals over the line anyway.
Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers was tipped to join, a late offer for Boubacar Kamara was mooted and the Magpies boss also tried to push through a deal for Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury.
United’s attempt to sign the Foxes player will go down in history and sums up the state of utter apathy that engulfed the Tyneside outfit at that point in time. The move eventually falling through because Newcastle would not match the £1m loan fee and player’s salary.
Choudhury was eager to join. Bruce was eager to land the player, Leicester were eager to send him on his way. But Mike Ashley insisted there was no more cash available because the club had already signed one player earlier in the window.
Next came the nameless statement from the club regarding the lack of transfer business. Just a few days after the summer deadline had passed, Newcastle bosses thought they could gloss over the summer of discontent with a 584-word article explaining why Bruce hadn't been backed.
The statement was only going to be received one way by supporters and encapsulates Ashley's 14-year at the helm. An anonymous briefing, with no responsibility taken for the demise of a once great football club.
Of course, fast forward 12 months and Newcastle United are on their way back to the glory days. Ambition at the very top, a galvanised fan base, a much-improved squad and a positive future awaiting in the distance.
It will be no surprise, just like last year, to see Newcastle fail to do any deals today. However, this time around it is because the club have acted swiftly and professionally to get deals over the line.
Matt Targett, Nick Pope and Sven Botman were all wrapped by the end of June and Alexander Isak's arrival gives Eddie Howe the marquee addition in attack he so desperately desired. There is no desire to panic in the closing stages.
Youri Tielemans has been linked in recent days due to Leicester's desire to sell and Newcastle's minor midfield issues at present. However, it feels as though the Magpies will have a relatively quiet day on the whole.
Thinking back to last year's shambolic summer is a reminder of just how far Newcastle have travelled as a club in the last 12 months. It will be fascinating to see how big of a leap they make in the next 12 months as well.
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