It hasn’t been the smoothest summer for Newcastle United so far. Eddie Howe has expressed his disappointment over the loss of talented young players Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson, as the club needed to raise funds to avoid a PSR-imposed points deduction.
The club’s owners, PIF, are reportedly unhappy with the situation as well. Additionally, two key allies of Howe at St James’ Park, Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, have left the club, a development that has reportedly hit the head coach hard. These challenges, combined with Howe’s links to the England job and a slow transfer market, have made for a frustrating few weeks.
However, things may be looking up. After a 2-0 win in a pre-season friendly against Hull, Howe provided a positive update. When asked by reporters if he had the final say on transfers, Howe emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “It is not about having a final say; it is about collaboration. We have had positive talks and we are trying to bring the right players to the football club. But it is never about one person’s decision. It is about a group of people coming together and making the right decisions for the benefit of the football club.”
Newcastle appears to be making progress on a potential signing, possibly targeting AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw, whom the recruitment staff has previously described as a “dream” signing. Reports suggest the club is close to securing a deal for the German international, which would fulfill one of Howe’s key desires this summer. He aims to add both a new central defender, in addition to the recent acquisition of Lloyd Kelly, and a right winger before the Premier League season begins.
After some disappointing transfer news recently, this development could be the boost the club needs.
