Newcastle might still pull off a miracle signing and the gaffer discussed it.
Newcastle may be reaching for the moon, but based on the lacklustre transfer acquisitions made in the first two months of the summer, they are unlikely to reach it. That could change, with the Magpies reportedly close to signing Crystal Palace defender and England international Marc Guehi.
Eddie Howe has defined the club’s attitude to summer transfers, as well as fans’ apparent failure to sign needle-moving players ahead of next season, according to Scott Wilson of The Northern Echo.
Most importantly, there are severe concerns about NUFC’s forward and striker depth heading into the upcoming Premier League season, since just Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson are on the roster, with the latter being the only one of the two who can be called a genuine, natural no. 9.
“With Alex and Callum hopefully both being fit for the majority of the season and carrying that attacking load together, then when you have a sum of money to spend, you’re logically not going to spend a huge sum of money in that position when you have other positions that maybe require a bit more investment,” said the manager. “It’s a very difficult balance.”
Despite the prospect of additional additions, Howe admitted the need for player sales to comply with Premier League financial criteria and left every Magpie fan chilly with his remarks.
“I don’t think PSR is going to change drastically for us, short term, but there’s going to be a period where, yes of course we can recruit, although there’s got to be a balance to that,” the coach stated. “We’ll have to generate income as well. We’re handling it extremely gently. We’ll attempt to get it right, but I’m sure there will be outgoings during my time here to balance things out.”
Howe seemed pleased with his squad, which is particularly concerning given that he named Emil Krafth as a quality talent to whom he will consider allocating minutes next season. Which… huh!?
“We’re slightly light on numbers (at center-half),” according to Howe. “Emil has done an excellent job in pre-season, playing inside from his customary full-back position, and he is capable of doing so. We have really talented players in there, but losing players like Sven (Botman) and Jamaal (Lascelles) for such an extended period of time left a major hole in the middle of our defence. It’s two massive losses. I believe the guys who came in at the conclusion of last season did extremely well, but it’s absolutely something we’re looking into.”
Howe has stated that he intends to preserve his and Newcastle’s important players, notably Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, and Isak, as the “crown jewels” of the club. The scenario is different for Kieran Trippier, who is in the final year of his contract and could leave the club, supposedly by signing with West Ham, if the London club submits the necessary bid in the coming days.
“I see Kieran as a huge part of the team,” he stated. “But with Financial Fair Play influencing us, there’s always the risk that someone will go. We want to keep our finest players, but there will be expenses to balance things out.
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