A lot can change in two and a half months.
Isak was among those players celebrating in a jubilant huddle as the Champions League anthem played out at St James’ 76 days ago.
Newcastle had just secured their place at Europe’s top table and it felt like the club had real momentum going into the summer.
However, this has proved a frustrating window for Newcastle, who have missed out on Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and James Trafford.
Then there is the Isak situation.
It fell to William Osula to play up front on Friday and Anthony Gordon, who is a winger by trade, is set to follow suit against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Yet Isak’s absence, and a lack of signings, has not completely soured the mood on Tyneside.
Saturday’s friendly is a sell-out and, despite this game against Espanyol taking place less than 24 hours beforehand, there were still 30,782 fans present.
They already have an eye on what is to come.
“Is this the way to Barcelona?” supporters in the Gallowgate chanted. “Bayern Munich? Lazio? Roma? The Champions League awaits for me.”