OPINION
So the summer transfer window has slammed shut for another year, giving Newcastle United fans time to reflect on a case of what could have been rather than what actually was.
In the end the Magpies saw seven signings made, Federico Fernandez joining from Swansea on deadline day, with the loan captures of Kenedy and Salomon Rondon bolstered by permanent deals for Martin Dubravka, Fabian Schar, Ki Sung-Yeung and Yoshinori Muto, while at the same time saying goodbye to the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Mikel Merino.
There were significantly more names linked with a move to Tyneside in the off-season, and the last day of the window saw Rafael Benitez reportedly hunting a last-ditch swoop for Liverpool powerhouse Ragnar Klavan.
The Chronicle state that the Spanish manager was refused funding to snap up the 32-year-old’s signature, who is said to have felt that the Reds man could have covered both at centre back as well as on the left hand side of defence.
However, despite 124 caps for Estonia, Klavan has hardly set the English top flight alight, and has looked a liability at the back for Jurgen Klopp whenever he was chosen to play.
Very much a back up option at Anfield, his 28 appearances last season show he was not up to scratch and only called upon when needed – not the sort of quality Newcastle need moving forward.
Quite frankly, he would have not cut the mustard at St James’ Park, and Fernandez makes much more sense, especially considering he and Rafa Benitez have worked together before.