Eddie Howe will be ‘over the moon’ as Newcastle United transformation revealed – pundit
Noel Whelan has hailed Newcastle United star Jonjo Shelvey’s “great professionalism” as details of his summer body transformation emerge.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 30-year old is “buying into everything” manager Eddie Howe is implementing at St James’ Park.
As per The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, speaking on the Pod on the Tyne podcast (19 July), Shelvey has shed 32mm (1.25in) of body fat over the summer break after working alone in Turkey.
Speaking to the Daily Mail (23 July), the midfielder hailed Howe’s “brilliant” impact at Newcastle since joining in November 2021 – insisting he has been a “breath of fresh air”.
Shelvey is out of contract in June 2023 but needs to make just three more appearances to trigger a one-year extension clause in his deal.
Whelan suggested the six-time England international is going all out to keep his place amid competition from big-money stars Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s hard to lose any sort of weight as a footballer, especially when you’re getting older.
“But to lose that much means he’s really put the work in over the summer. He’s buying into everything Eddie Howe wants.
“The penny has dropped for him that he needs to be leaner, stronger, fitter, quicker, more athletic if he’s going to keep his place in the Newcastle side.
“It shows great professionalism. I’m sure Eddie Howe is over the moon with the reaction from Shelvey and the rest of his players.
“I’m sure he’s taking everything into account, and Shelvey has shown real leadership by taking control of his destiny at the football club like that.”
In other news, pundit hails Newcastle United for “clever” transfer strategy after journalist’s Timo Werner update.