Six first-team signings, £252m spent and a squad stronger than on the final day of the 2024-25 season. On the face of it, that's not a bad return for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United from the summer transfer window.

However, you cannot ignore the fact they are now without their key goalscorer after Alexander Isak's damaging transfer saga, nor the series of deals they failed to clinch in the first half of the summer.

The Newcastle side which starts against Wolves after the international break could have a very different feel about it, and we will soon get a fair idea about just how good the transfer business has been.

However, as we await the proof, here's what our NUFC writers make of the summer activity at St James' Park.

Newcastle United wrapped up the summer window with the arrival of Yoane Wissa for a cool £50m plus £5m add ons on deadline day to simmer tensions after Alexander Isak's exit to Liverpool.

It meant that many boxes were ticked for Eddie Howe after the addition of a new right-sided attacker Anthony Elanga, classy midfield man Jacob Ramsey, Serie A ace Malick Thiaw and £69m forward Nick Woltemade.

Throw in England keeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan and Newcastle's six signings leave them with an improved squad at a cost of £252m.

Newcastle also dealt well with outgoings as Sean Longstaff at £15m went out along with Lloyd Kelly at £20m.

Bearing in mind Newcastle already have stars such as Tino Livramento, Anthony Gordon, Bruno, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, it genuinely feels like we are moving into a new era this season.

Had they not replaced Isak things could have looked dangerous, especially after a win-less start. But I think it's been a great summer of business overall and Howe will be relatively pleased.

I don't think there's an area where he can say Newcastle are short, although all managers will tell you that you can't have too many good players.

Grade: A-

If you look at Newcastle's transfer deals this summer in isolation, they have had a very solid window.

United headed into the summer with three key priorities. Sign a new right-sided centre-back to challenge Fabian Schar, sign a new right-winger to replace Miguel Almiron, who had left six months earlier, and sign a forward to replace Callum Wilson.

Those priorities were added to when midfielder Sean Longstaff was sold to Leeds United, Martin Dubravka left for Burnley and the Alexander Isak to Liverpool saga began to dominate the summer agenda and all three players also needed to be replaced.

In Newcastle's six summer signings they have managed to do that. Malick Thiaw already looks to be very solid competition for Schar and Anthony Elanga has already displaced Jacob Murphy from the starting XI.

Aaron Ramsdale's arrival seems to have refocused Nick Pope's mind in goal, Jacob Ramsey already looks to be an upgrade on Longstaff and the arrivals of club record signing Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have softened the blow of losing Isak to Liverpool for a club record fee.

Yes, Newcastle failed to sign a number of high profile targets they publicly courted. Yes, Newcastle eventually sold Isak after a six-week saga left them without a recognised forward for their opening three Premier League matches.

But Newcastle are undeniably stronger after the summer transfer window slammed shut and, crucially, given we are about to enter a relentless run of two fixtures per week, they have improved their squad depth and raised the quality of the floor of the squad.

Grade: B+

With all the rejections, the Alexander Isak saga, the lack of early movement, it felt like this window was going to plummet from one of huge optimism to one of despair. Wasn't this the time Newcastle were going to push on?

We've all maybe had something of a reality check in that it's clear United are not at the level of being to able to compete with the elite when it comes to attracting the most in-demand players. But make no mistake, the Newcastle squad is now stronger than it was at the end of last season.

Just how good the new signings are remains to be seen. Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade come with high expectations but are untested at Premier League level. However, you feel Eddie Howe should be happy with the work that's been done.