10 Stages Of Newcastle United's 2015 Summer Transfer Window
8. The Transfer Window Opens
On only three occasions in the eight years under Ashleys control have Newcastle began the transfer window without already dipping their toes into the market. Both Danny Simpson and Loic Remy arrived on loan deals in August 2009 and 2013 respectively, while James Perch holds the accolade of being the only permanent signing Newcastle have completed after the transfer window has opened, finalising his move from Nottingham Forest in early July in 2010. Last year the Magpies had concluded two signings, Jack Colback and Ayoze Perez, before the first day of July - two individuals to emerge from the misadventures of last season with their reputations relatively unscathed and suitably enhanced. In truth, the transfer window is an exercise in guesswork for everyone outside of the inner circle at Newcastle United, a protracted game of smoke and mirrors. The "football board" is aware it will take £15 million-plus to wrestle Charlie Austin away from Queens Park Rangers and know the striker wants to play Premier League football next season to enhance his chances of representing England at the European Championships in the summer of 2016, but continue to drag their feet and risk being beaten to his signature by one of his many admirers. Meanwhile, reports suggested in early July that Lee Charnley was in advanced talks with PSV over a potential move for Georginio Wijnaldum. Entering into dialogue with players representatives and his club, as Newcastle did with Wijnaldum, creates a distorted impression of progress and doesnt necessarily signify that a deal is close to completion (even though it now has been finished). Thus, at this point, there was no viable evidence for supporters to latch on to - no bid, no agreement of personal terms, nothing concrete to demonstrate the wheels were actually beginning to turn in the St James Park boardroom.
