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Newcastle United have faced a turbulent time in the transfer market over the past two summers, with the Magpies repeatedly losing out on their top transfer targets to Premier League rivals.

Johan Manzambi has become the latest player to reject a move to Tyneside, opting instead for a transfer to Aston Villa. Newcastle had already agreed terms with Freiburg for the Switzerland international, but the midfielder chose Villa over the Magpies.

This situation adds to a growing concern for Newcastle’s recruitment strategy as their ambitious project continues to stall in key moments.

Last summer, James Trafford was identified as Newcastle’s primary goalkeeping target. The club were ready to meet Burnley’s valuation, but at the final moment, Manchester City swooped in to activate their buy-back clause and re-sign Trafford after matching Newcastle’s £31 million bid.

It was a move Trafford might regret, having spent most of the season as understudy to Gianluigi Donnarumma, who joined later in the same transfer window. Newcastle are now considering revisiting the deal this summer.

Back in 2022, the club had been on the verge of signing Pedro, even reaching the ‘Here we go’ stage according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. However, Pedro joined Brighton instead and, after an impressive spell on the south coast, was once again targeted by Newcastle last summer.

The Magpies reportedly made offers of up to £60 million for the Brazilian forward, but Pedro ultimately chose Chelsea. His 23 goals last season earned him Chelsea’s Player of the Season award, while Newcastle’s forward line continued to struggle.

Newcastle were also among the clubs in talks with Liam Delap last summer, alongside Everton, Manchester United, and Chelsea. A £30 million relegation release clause triggered a bidding battle, which Chelsea eventually won.

Perhaps the most painful of all, Newcastle had identified Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike as the ideal successor to Alexander Isak, who was pushing for a move away. Newcastle tabled a record £70 million bid for Ekitike, but their own stance on Isak ultimately backfired.

Liverpool, frustrated by Newcastle’s tough negotiation over Isak, switched their attention to Ekitike and signed the Frenchman for an initial £69 million. Newcastle’s disappointment deepened as Isak also joined Liverpool on deadline day, leaving the Reds spoiled for attacking options.

Benjamin Sesko was another name on Newcastle’s shortlist last summer. The club made multiple offers for the Slovenian, with their second bid reaching £69.7 million and potential add-ons pushing the total close to £75 million.

Sesko, however, declined the move in favour of waiting for interest from Manchester United.

In another setback, Newcastle had agreed a deal earlier this summer to sign Osasuna winger Victor Munoz. Eddie Howe’s side had decided to trigger the Spaniard’s £35.5 million release clause, but Liverpool once again hijacked the transfer, leaving Newcastle stunned.

According to reports, Newcastle were left baffled as the deal stalled despite all terms being agreed, only to later learn that Munoz had chosen to join Liverpool.

With the funds raised from the sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, Newcastle set their sights on rising star Johan Manzambi. The 20-year-old midfielder had impressed at the World Cup with Switzerland, prompting Newcastle to move quickly for his signature.

The Magpies reached an agreement with SC Freiburg to sign Manzambi for £49 million. However, Aston Villa came forward with a club-record £59.5 million bid, and the lure of UEFA Champions League football ultimately convinced Manzambi to move to Villa Park.