\n<\/p>\n
Those words proved rather prophetic.<\/p>\n
Newcastle<\/a> managed to sign highly<\/a> rated goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen <\/a>from Stade de Reims for \u00a318.5m before the window even officially opened.<\/p>\n However, just when it appeared they were in pole position to land top target Victor Munoz, the Spain winger joined Liverpool<\/a> from Health.<\/p>\n It felt like Groundhog Day for supporters after Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, James Trafford and Benjamin Sesko opted to move to Chelsea<\/a>, Liverpool<\/a>, Manchester City<\/a> and Manchester United<\/a> respectively last summer.<\/p>\n Newcastle<\/a>as a result, moved further down their list of targets this time last year and, aside from defender Malick Thiaw, they have not yet seen enough of a return from a \u00a3100m-plus net spend.<\/p>\n The club cannot afford for history to repeat itself, but it is easy to forget the window only opened on 15 June.<\/p>\n It is also worth remembering that Newcastle<\/a> have previously managed to attract a number of promising players.<\/p>\n Rather than making any guarantees about the team’s success, Howe’s pitches have instead centred on development, how his staff work and how they can help take a player’s game to another level.<\/p>\n Not every signing has gone on to thrive under Howe, but it was telling that Gordon repeatedly pointed to this “culture” of improvement at Newcastle<\/a> as he sealed a dream move to Barcelona.<\/p>\n Another international, who followed Gordon to Newcastle<\/a>has also gone on to flourish.<\/p>\n