Newcastle had a very frustrating transfer window this year as Mike Ashley failed to bring in enough quality for Rafa Benitez to replicate the club’s 10th place finish last season.

Under a relatively tight budget, Newcastle spent £31.14 million on transfers this summer, the most expensive being Yoshinori Muto for £9.63 million from Mainz.

Benitez had voiced his concerns over the club’s lack of transfer activity and urged the board to bring in some more quality in order to compete for a top half position this season.

In typical Mike Ashley fashion, however, the Magpies failed to really make a big mark on the transfer window and have only really filled the holes left by players rather than building on the squad.

With the loss of Mikel Merino, Newcastle did bring in Ki but aside from that, no other midfielder came through the doors.

The club had been linked with then free agent, Milan Badelj according to the Mirror but failed to bring in the former Fiorentina man who joined Lazio instead.

The Breakdown

A solid defensive midfielder who had an impressive World Cup, Badelj was available on a free transfer and could’ve proved to be a steal for the Magpies.

Valued at £13.5 million by Transfermarkt, the defensive midfielder would’ve been an ideal solution to Newcastle’s midfield.

As it stands, Benitez only has Jonjo Shelvey, Isaac Hayden, Ki and Mohamed Diame to play at the base of midfield.

While Ki is a great signing, Ashley should’ve followed that up with another free transfer for a player who’s good with the ball and is very reliable.

What do you think Newcastle fans?