Newcastle United still haunted by £124m issue that cost Eddie Howe control of transfers

Lee Ryder writes that Newcastle United remains affected by £124 million spent on Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade, which contributed to former manager Eddie Howe losing control of transfers. The issue crystallized during a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace last April, when Howe benched the duo. Six months later, Woltemade is on loan at Juventus while Wissa struggles for form under new head coach Matthias Jaissle.

Ryder notes that Jaissle faces mounting tactical questions and scrutiny regarding his vertical style following consecutive defeats against Coventry City and Aston Villa. Despite some supporter frustration with recent toothless attacking displays, Ryder argues fan sentiment toward Jaissle remains broadly positive ahead of Newcastle's return to Selhurst Park.