‘Eddie Howe frustration grows as Newcastle transfer window backfires mount’
Newcastle looked set for a summer overhaul of their squad after qualifying for the Champions League but now risk upsetting boss Eddie Howe with their inactivity.
The Magpies had their Icarus moment last year, flying dangerously close to failing the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
But they were saved when a conglomerate of clubs, including Aston Villa, Chelsea, Brighton, and Everton, decided to sell players to each other for very favourable price tags.
Newcastle were forced to part ways with Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, and signed Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest in PSR-motivated deals that saw them escape a sanction.
Since 2024, only Lewis Hall has joined and become a first-teamer, and even then, the ex-Chelsea left-back was signed for his potential rather than his ability to immediately deliver, even if he has come good.
Newcastle have been patient, choosing not to push the PSR boundaries, and they looked set to be rewarded with a bountiful summer transfer window, given their strong financial footing.
Newcastle yet to sign a player for a transfer fee
But that has not happened so far. The North-Eastern team’s rivals have made use of FIFA’s “exceptional” transfer window from 1-10 June, and already the ensuing window that opened on 16 June.
Antonio Cordero has joined Newcastle after being pursued by Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, but the youngster arrived as a free agent and is likely to be immediately sent out on loan to further his development.
The club have been linked with plenty of players one would assume are within their financial wheelhouse, but for one reason or another, the Magpies have been unable to convince their targets to join.
Newcastle have been interested in Marc Guehi since at least last year, but Liverpool seem to have stolen a march on Crystal Palace’s captain with Howe’s side now out of the race.
The same can be applied to Jarell Quansah, who is on his way to Bayer Leverkusen, a year after the Magpies had a bid rejected for the centre-back.
Joao Pedro looked like he may join Newcastle, but that deal is now in doubt as the Brazilian is keen on spending his prime years in London and seems to be waiting for Chelsea to swoop in.
Even James Trafford looked like a sure-fire bet to call St. James’ Park home next season, but Howe’s side are yet to even agree a fee with Burnley for the shot-stopper.
Newcastle missing out on signing key targets after Paul Mitchell departure announcement
Newcastle have not been helped by the sudden departure of Paul Mitchell, who will leave his role as sporting director at the end of June after just one year in the role.
Sources within the club reiterated the departing sporting director’s claims that “the club is in a fantastic position to continue building” this summer to The Athletic following news of his planned departure in May.
But with no news on any incomings, there is every chance Mitchell’s departure has thrown plans into disarray.
Eddie Howe voices frustrations early in summer window
Howe has never been afraid to be vocal about his frustrations with the club, despite his reserved demeanour.
The ex-Bournemouth manager has recently revealed his annoyance with his players “getting linked here, there and everywhere with other clubs.” [The Independent]
And The Athletic revealed that frustrations over the inactivity in the transfer market are shared between both fans and insiders in the club.
Newcastle are reportedly ready to act when the right signings come along, and are optimistic the squad will be stronger at the end of the window than it is now.
But words are meaningless when there is no action to validate them. The Premier League is an unforgiving rat race, and failure to improve is a guaranteed path to regression.
Liverpool and Man City have invested heavily while Chelsea’s spending never ceases, but the Magpies are standing still.
Newcastle are on the precipice of truly breaking through and becoming a bona fide top-tier English club again. They have the capabilities to compete for titles and trophies on a consistent basis, but without new additions this summer, Howe’s squad will be too thin to compete in both the Champions League and the Premier League.