Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and Liam Delap have missed out! Former Newcastle star says superstars made massive error in snubbing Toon move this summer

Newcastle United endured a challenging 2025 summer window, missing out on several key targets despite Champions League qualification. One of the most notable players Newcastle failed to sign was Hugo Ekitike who joined Liverpool and they also missed out on Liam Delap, who opted to join Chelsea instead, as did Joao Pedro. Bryan Mbeumo chose Manchester United over Newcastle, further hindering efforts to strengthen their right-wing position. Another big target was Benjamin Sesko, but he penned a deal to join Ruben Amorim at Man Utd instead. In defence, Newcastle pursued Dean Huijsen, but he moved to Real Madrid and they also targeted goalkeeper James Trafford, but he rejoined Manchester City.

Shelvey, who played for Newcastle between 2016 and 2023, told BBC Sport: "There's this debate about whether Newcastle are able to attract the big players compared to the Manchester clubs and the London clubs but, until you go there, you don't understand what it does to you. There are loads of things to do. I don't care what anyone says. If players are going to listen to this, it's a no-brainer to go there and play football. You will not find love at a football club like I found at Newcastle, with how they take to their players and how much they back you. But I've only got good things to say about my time at Newcastle. I loved it. Even when I first got the call about going there, I drove 12 hours from Swansea because of the traffic. I just wanted to get up there, get my medical done and get signed. I had experienced playing against Newcastle at St James' Park and you get a real buzz, but you never understand how big the club is until you are there."

Newcastle actually had a busy summer transfer window, bringing in several players to strengthen the squad, particularly after the departure of star striker Isak. Woltemade, arrived as the club's record signing while Anthony Elanga and Yoanne Wissa were brought in to boost the attacking options, with Wissa in particular replacing Isak as striker. Malick Thiaw's arrival from AC Milan bolstered the defence, while Ramsey provided a creative presence in midfield. Ramsdale joined on loan to offer competition in goal. The signings of youngsters Cordero and Park represent a focus on long-term squad building. 

Newcastle, currently 11th in the league, are looking for their first away league win of the season after drawing all three of their previous away fixtures 0-0. They can capitalise on the momentum of their most recent 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, but will be without Lewis Hall (hamstring) and Tino Livramento (knee injury). Brighton are 12th and are in strong form at home, having lost only one of their last 11 Premier League home games. Meanwhile, Wissa is progressing towards fitness after suffering a devastating injury setback while on international duty with DR Congo, and hasn’t kicked a ball for his new club yet. But Howe has delivered a positive update, saying: "We have seen him back on the grass for the first time which is great to see, it is now a case of stepping him up gradually. In terms of timelines, it is similar to what I've said - nothing has changed."