January historically for Newcastle United fans is a case of being 'the bridesmaid but never the bride’ when it comes to transfer rumours and activity.
Well, in 2022 Geordie fans got their own fairy-tale wedding in terms of spending, gossip, and rumours.
Everyday there was a new player popping up and being spoken about, it was truly a brand-new era as 2022 outspent the previous thirteen years combined - leading to The Magpies becoming the biggest January spenders in Premier League history.
Within the first seven days Magpie fans were already given what proved to be one of the best bargains of the entire window with Kieran Trippier. The England international signed for £12 million (with add-ons) from Athletico Madrid. The right-back has immediately settled into the team and proved vital both in an attacking sense and a defensive one.
Many fans are impressed already with what the 31-year-old has provided in a black and white shirt. With his performance in the victory against Leeds United a high point.
Chris Wood
Chris Wood was the second signing through the door and a welcomed one on Tyneside. The Wood edition came with speculation as the New Zealand International had only scored three goals this season, but with a history of scoring at this level Wood is welcomed at Newcastle.
The Kiwi is a massive coup for Newcastle United this January. Costing £25 million is always weary but as that was Woods release clause from Newcastle's fellow relegation battlers Burnley it has two huge advantages.
One being there is no longer an over reliance on Callum Wilson (who faces a lengthy spell out with a muscular injury) and two; it severally weakens a rival. Yes Burnley went right out and replaced Wood with Wout Weghorst from Wolfsburg. However, the Dutch international has never played at this level so it unknown how long his settling in period will be.
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Bruno Guimarães
Ever since PIF took over Newcastle United back in October the question on everybody’s lips has been: "Who will be the first marquee signing made by Newcastle?"
Bruno Guimarães fits that billing perfectly. The Brazilian international comes from Olympique Lyonnais for £40 million (including add-ons) the centre midfielder had been linked with most of the top six clubs in the Premier League and at the age of 24 is heading towards his prime years in football.
The style of play Guimarães brings to Newcastle is calm and aggressive, physical and delicate the perfect balance of passing and stamina. Every football club would love to have one, three of the top six do. Manchester City- Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester United- Bruno Fernandes and Chelsea- Mateo Kovačić. It was heavily rumoured Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were sniffing around the new Newcastle 39 but Guimarães chose Newcastle.
Matt Targett
The only loan signing Newcastle secured on deadline day, with no possible clause of singing him further.
Targett wasn't a Newcastle target, but his position familiarity and quality were. Newcastle wanted a left back and were in for Targett’s Aston Villa teammate and replacement Lucas Digne. Digne has won the battle for the starting job at Villa so Targett needing first team football became available and Newcastle smartly picked him up.
Targett was popular in the dressing room in Birmingham and won Aston Villa's players player of the season award last season - when Jack Grealish was still at the club - which to the football community seems to think means Targett is a good footballer. Many on Tyneside agree as this short-term loan deal is good for all parties and should Newcastle survive the drop Targett could target a new home at Newcastle.
Dan Burn
A homecoming, moreover, yes please. Every fan wants to sing from the stands "He's one of our own!" Newcastle has two at the club now. Sean Longstaff is one and Dan Burn joins him.
Brought in on deadline day for £12 million, Burn feels like the sixth centre back Newcastle were linked with. With the likes of Sven Botman and Diego Carlos falling through it was nice to get a centre back to improve the back line of Newcastle which rates 19th in the Premier League.
Brighton let the Blyth born lad go as he wanted to return home. Burn if you didn't know stands at a meagre six foot seven. His aerial ability is perfect for the players Newcastle have signed and makes Newcastle deadly from set pieces.
Newcastle did miss out on plenty of players during the window, but with these five outstanding additions, they have given themselves a fantastic opportunity to maintain their top-flight status.