In 2022 we had the arrivals of Sven Botman and Alexander Isak, in 2023 we had the short-lived excitement of Sandro Tonali and in 2024 there will be significant clamour for yet another marquee summer arrival despite well-documented financial pressures for all top flight sides.
There is undoubtedly a need for improvements in Eddie Howe's squad. At least one, possibly two, central defenders are required to fill long-term injury gaps, upgrades at left-back and right-wing will be high on the list and the debate over striker depth remains.
If this is in fact the window Howe decides to make a significant change at the top end of the pitch, the choice should be clear; pursue a move for long-term target Benjamin Sesko.
The Magpies' transfer interest in the young Slovenian remains. In truth, it never went away. Newcastle tried to persuade Sesko to swap Red Bull Salzburg for Tyneside back in 2022, with the forward's agent sparking a social media frenzy after posting a photo of him enjoying the delights of the Quayside.
Instead, Salzburg's sister club RB Leipzig pounced and lured Sesko to the Bundesliga for a fee of PS22m, with the then-teenager insisting he felt Germany's top flight was a better fit than one of many Premier League suitors. Ever since, the 20-year-old has gone from strength to strength, notching 13 goals in all competitions this season and making an impact on the international stage with his country.
Yet the meteoric rise of one of Europe's most exciting talents doesn't mean he is unattainable this summer. In fact, if the widely-reported PS42.7m release clause figure is correct, it would be no surprise to see each and every ambitious European side attempt to swoop in. Any top side paying that fee for a player brimming with potential would be confident of securing a summer bargain.
Sesko will undoubtedly have caught the eye of German giants Bayern Munich, who have made a habit of poaching Leipzig's best and brightest both on and off the pitch. Meanwhile, this week a host of Newcastle's Premier League rivals have been linked with the striker's signature.
But given Howe's penchant for targeting, and signing, versatile forwards who can occupy different roles across the front three, Sesko ticks a lot of boxes. Used primarily as a centre-forward, the youngster can also play out wide despite his 6 foot 4 frame.
With Callum Wilson's immediate future at St James' Park in the air given his injury record, age and the fact interest in his services emerged in January, it would be no surprise to see Newcastle prioritising an exciting attacking option in the summer market.
The only sticking point; will Sesko want the move?
"I want to spend a lot of time here [at RB Leipzig] because the club suits me well. We'll see how many years it will be in total," was his response when quizzed over his future earlier this season.
However, fear not, because a certain Alexander Isak made similar comments just months before departing Real Sociedad to become Newcastle's record signing. "I am a Real player, I work here and this is my club. My work is on the pitch, and as I told you before, there are other people who work outside," he said in early 2022.
The race for Sesko promises to be a exclusive one - but if Newcastle can sign one of Europe's hottest prospects, who is versatile, 20 years of age and a consistent goalscorer, they will send a serious statement to their league and European counterparts.