The last thing Newcastle fans expected or wanted was for Mike Ashley to still be in charge of the club as they head into the 2020/2021 Premier League campaign.
But after Amanda Staveley's consortium pulled the plug on their £300m takeover of the club, the harsh reality of another year under Ashley has hit on Tyneside.
It seemingly will be another summer of loitering around the bargain basement for The Magpies, especially as the owner has slashed head coach Steve Bruce's transfer budget to a slender £35m.
Luckily for Newcastle, there are a plethora of free agents that could improve the squad in all aspects of the pitch.
Here are five players that could be wearing a black and white shirt as of next season.
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Ryan Fraser
Former Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser refused to take part in The Cherries final league games to prevent a potential injury that would potentially cost him over a big summer move.
It came as a big blow to the relegated south coast club, as Fraser is undoubtedly one of their best players - appearing in 120 Premier League games, scoring 16 and assisting 29.
The Scotsman has been linked with a move to Arsenal or Liverpool in recent months, but it seems unlikely that either of those clubs will make a move for him.
Newcastle have been long-term admirers of the 27-year-old and according to the Shields Gazette, tried to get a pre-contract agreement tied up with him in January - but Fraser declined as he awaited an avenue to join a 'big 6' side.
The Toon do face stiff competition to bring in Fraser, as Crystal Palace are also interested in bringing in the Scottish international - and according to the Daily Mail, have already offered him a contract.
Fraser arriving on Tyneside would be an excellent piece of business for Newcastle, as they are crying out for another Premier League proven winger to play alongside Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin.
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Jeff Hendrick
Midfielder Jeff Hendrick was close to a sensational move to Italian giants AC Milan, but the deal appeared to have collapsed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The former Burnley player has since reportedly been 'offered' to Newcastle and Aston Villa - and it is likely that one of those two clubs will sign him up.
The Republic of Ireland international has scored two and assisted two this season, as well as featuring in 122 Premier League games during his time at The Clarets.
Hendrick would bring more vital experience to the Newcastle side as well as more cover in central midfield, which is indefinitely needed after the inevitable departure of youngster Matty Longstaff.
It is likely that the 28-year-old will want an increase in wages compared to his contract at Burnley - and if The Magpies want to secure his signature, that is exactly what they will have to do.
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Nathaniel Clyne
Nathaniel Clyne has had a fall from grace ever since his move from Southampton to Liverpool in 2015 - and it is no surprise the 29-year-old is available to pick up on a free transfer this summer.
The right-back has had a torrid time recently, suffering from injuries that made him out of favour at The Reds as well as an unsuccessful loan spell at Bournemouth to add to that.
But, with 185 Premier League appearances over the years, there is no doubt there is a talented player in there.
Steve Bruce may take the risk of signing Clyne, especially with current right-back DeAndre Yedlin set for a move away from the club this summer.
Clyne would clearly be hefty on the wage bill, but bringing him to Newcastle would certainly bring good competition to Javier Manquillo and Emil Krafth - as well as adding more experience into the side.
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Malang Sarr
Malang Sarr is probably the most in-demand free agent of the summer transfer window, with multiple clubs all around Europe all vying to seal the Frenchman's signature.
The 21-year-old left Ligue 1 side Nice after failing to agree on a contract extension.
Despite being young, Sarr has featured in 102 games in France's top division - an onus on how good he has been since arriving on the scene.
Sarr is a natural centre-back that can play at left-back meaning his versatility could be very useful for a Premier League side, especially with the demanding 38 game schedule.
It is unlikely that Malang Sarr ends up on Tyneside in the coming weeks, but if it was to happen - it would be a transfer that would certainly turn heads.
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Jordon Ibe
Jordon Ibe, remember him?
Ibe at one point was expected to hit the dizzy heights of Raheem Sterling, if not eclipse the Manchester City star.
But after falling out of favour at Liverpool and then flopping at Bournemouth after a £16m move - the Englishman is available to sign on a free transfer.
The right-winger is just 24-years-old so he certainly still has age on his side, and a move to Newcastle may give him the chance to revive his career whilst remaining at the top level.
Just like Malang Sarr, The Magpies are unlikely to go in for Jordon Ibe especially after his disastrous spell on the south coast - but Steve Bruce's side could utilise Ibe in a rotation role if they were to bring him in.
Scottish giants Celtic and Turkish side Besiktas lead the way in the race to sign the 24-year-old, according to The Telegraph.