Newcastle United summer signings – Rated on what we have seen so far

Looking at the Newcastle United summer signings.

Six major incoming deals in total across the summer 2025 transfer window.

How are they shaping up?

The latest international window gives us a chance to take a breather, to evaluate what we have all watched.

This is my personal take on what we have seen from the six Newcastle United summer signings so far.

I have taken each of the half dozen in the order in which they signed for NUFC.

Anthony Elanga (6 starts and 4 sub appearances)

I have been happy enough with his contribution so far.

It has been far from outstanding overall but there has been more than enough to remind us of why Eddie Howe has been pursuing him for some time.

Excellent in the two Champions League matches, more in and out across the other eight appearances. Has shown glimpses of his quality in the Premier League matches and the great thing is plenty more to come from him.

Elanga has often impressed against Newcastle, so we know what he is capable of. When a winger arrives at a new club, it is often the case that they take time to show real consistency.

Rating – 7 out of 10 (Once fully settled in and he and integrated into the squad and Eddie Howe’s way of doing things, he will be a great asset, especially on the pace side of things)

Aaron Ramsdale (1 start and 0 sub appearances)

Always difficult to judge goalkeepers anyway in a limited time, so much depends on the opposition, the quality of them and what they challenge the goalkeeper with. Ramsdale did fine against Bradford in his single appearance so far, had no chance with the goal and no red flags. Made a couple of decent saves but very little to do, plus Bradford didn’t high press and so his quality on the ball was never pushed.

Rating – 7 out of 10 (I thought he was a very good signing and in that one match nothing to suggest that isn’t the case)

Malick Thiaw (5 starts and 2 sub appearances)

A concussion for Fabian Schar has handed the central defender far more opportunity than he would have expected early on at Newcastle.

Another player Eddie Howe has pursued for some time, so on that basis I thought he would be good, but this good???

Looks to have it all, defending and on the ball.

Rating – 9 out of 10 (If he can keep up these levels he will be some player for United, whilst if he can further improve in the longer-term…)

Jacob Ramsey (1 start and 1 sub appearance)

Hasn’t really had a proper chance to show us what he can do.

Came on for the final 15 minutes of normal time for 10 man Newcastle against Liverpool and helped give NUFC energy and willingness to carry the ball. Was crocked by a poor challenge from Longstaff when Ramsey was making his first start away at Elland Road, subbed off at half-time and leading to his absence.

Rating – 6.5 out of 10 (I think he will prove a seriously good addition as the season progresses, both as a starter and as a game changing sub off the bench)

Nick Woltemade (5 starts and 2 sub appearances)

It is funny how circumstances can intervene so often, with opportunity such a key factor for players, especially new signings at times.

If Wissa hadn’t picked up his injury, I reckon we would still be looking at Big Nick as an unknown quantity, doubts still there to an extent. Eddie Howe would have given the young and relatively inexperienced striker a far slower introduction if Premier League experienced Wissa had been available.

Instead, after having been signed too late for the opening three games of the season, Nick Woltemade has featured in all seven matches that have followed.

The striker scoring in four of his five starts, should have won a penalty in the other (Bournemouth away). His overall play has been excellent and when added to his goals, a hugely impressive introduction to NUFC.

Rating – 9 out of 10 (Once he fully settles in and he and his new teammates fully integrate, just what could he be capable of…?)

Yoane Wissa (0 starts and 0 sub appearances)

It is one of those where you think, only at Newcastle United! What rotten luck for Yoane Wissa, misses only three games through injury in the last three years at Brentford, then gets crocked on international duty and misses the opening months of his NUFC career, still to make his debut. Really looking forward to seeing him in a Newcastle shirt, he has performed well and scored goals against United a number of times.

Rating – N/A (Nothing to judge him on so far in a Newcastle shirt)

***By the way, just to make clear, I have every confidence that in time all of these Newcastle United summer signings will prove their worth. Eddie Howe has a stellar record when it comes to deciding on which players to bring to St James’ Park.