It's been a mass exodus at Newcastle United this summer, and the club must make at least one statement signing to prove that business is meant over the 2026/27 campaign.
Anthony Gordon was flogged to Barcelona early doors, and long-term murmurs that Sandro Tonali wanted away from the North East came true when a £100 million move to Tottenham Hotspur was sanctioned. With the Magpies having stood by the Italian's side through his betting ban, that was a kick in the teeth.
News that Bruno Guimaraes is set to up sticks for Arsenal rubs salt in the wound, and you can't blame Eddie Howe for handing in his resignation.
Transfer chiefs at St James' Park need to shift the mood fast. The appointment of a new manager will be a priority and, after that, Newcastle must prove they are still a club that the big players want to sign for.
Newcastle United Must Push to Sign Djed Spence
Luckily, Newcastle may have the perfect opportunity to do just that. The Magpies must push to sign Djed Spence from Spurs - it won't be easy, but it will certainly be a statement.
The full-back positions are already a cause of concern for the incoming manager at St James' Park. There's no doubting Lewis Hall's talent at full-back, but the England international struggled to keep his place over midfielder Lewis Miley at the end of last season.
Manchester United are said to be interested in a £60 million move for the 21-year-old, and that fee, combined with the club's apparent inability to keep top talent, makes a move to Old Trafford feel a real possibility.
Spence was more regularly deployed as a left-back by Tottenham last season, but is adept on either side of defence and is naturally right-footed. He would arrive with 59 appearances of Premier League experience and, perhaps more importantly, off the back of a thoroughly impressive World Cup.
Spence, described as 'frightening', was a standout star for the Three Lions in North America and Mexico. The defender boasted a tenacity and flair that could help inject some excitement into a club that desperately needs an uplift.
The Magpies would be purchasing a 25-year-old entering his prime. Snapping up young talent to sell them on when at their most potent is the new mantra for Newcastle, but cannot be the only mode of operation.
It's a move that would work for Spence too. The version of the player that emerged at the World Cup was significantly more impressive than his club performances, which regularly came under criticism as Spurs struggled last term.
Spence's fight was questioned, but the defender proved he has plenty of that on international duty. Riding that high, a fresh start would surely tempt the dynamic full-back.
Roberto De Zerbi Open to Spurs Exits
It has been reported that Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Spence, with several other clubs competing for his signature too. That report adds that Spence is one of six players Roberto De Zerbi could sanction the sale of as the club looks to offset the £230 million already splurged this summer.
Spence's heart did not seem in it for Tottenham in their relegation battle last season, and that could be why De Zerbi doesn't mind losing the star, despite his England performances.
Speaking during pre-season, the Spurs boss said: "I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham. I said, who doesn't want to stay in Tottenham? Who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave.
"I want the players to be proud and happy to stay here, to go on the pitch in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with big motivation."
There could be no hard feelings in north London. Spence may have grown fatigued with the project at Spurs, but he has just proved he still has the bit between his teeth. Tottenham can balance their books and Newcastle can prove that the club still means business in the Premier League.