Newcastle's summer transfer approach is drawing comparisons to the club's much-maligned Mike Ashley era, according to BBC News, though those at St James' Park insist the underlying ambition couldn't be more different.
Sporting director Ross Wilson has previously outlined a strategy built on control and self-sufficiency, but this window's business has raised eyebrows given how little the Magpies have spent so far. Under Ashley, prudence in the market often reflected a survival-first mentality, with the priority simply staying in the Premier League rather than pushing for silverware.
BBC News reports that Newcastle's hierarchy are keen to stress this is not a repeat of those days. While spending has been cautious, the club's stated long-term goal remains competing for major honours, not merely maintaining top-flight status. Whether that ambition translates into January or future summer activity remains to be seen, but for now, the comparisons to Ashley's frugal reign are proving hard to shake off among fans and observers alike.