Exclusive: Newcastle blame Eddie Howe for horror transfer window
Newcastle United believe Eddie Howe is partly to blame for their horrific summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Those with inside knowledge of the situation have told Football Insider that the manager’s “indecisiveness” is privately seen as one of their main problems in getting deals over the line.
Newcastle have already missed out on signing a number of key players this summer, including Chelsea duo Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, new Liverpool signing Hugo Ekitike as well as Man United marquee arrival Bryan Mbeumo.
Meanwhile, previous top targets such as Marc Guehi have indicated a preference to move elsewhere as Football Insider revealed Guehi would rather join Liverpool instead.
Football Insider reported on 4th July that Howe has been left frustrated by their failure to land key targets and strengthen his Newcastle squad.
The boss, as well as a number of senior figures at St James’ Park, believe a so-called “Saudi Tax” has had a negative impact on their ability to agree deals.
Newcastle focus on Eddie Howe amid transfer market struggles
Howe has been keen to improve his squad following their qualification for the Champions League, but is currently being forced to work with the options available.
Newcastle’s ongoing profit and sustainability concerns were not expected to be a major issue, leaving them with little excuse for their market failings.
The manager is known to have a certain preference towards Premier League-experienced players, but that does not fully explain the delays in identifying key targets and then negotiating those deals.
The spending power displayed by the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City and Man United this summer has caused further issues among the St James’ Park faithful.
Alexander Isak update emerges at St James’ Park
Despite the ongoing frustrations at St James’ Park this summer, Newcastle are pushing ahead with new transfer plans as they aim to strengthen key positions.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 22 July that Newcastle are in talks to sign a goalkeeper and a centre-forward after having missed out on other targets.
James Trafford’s imminent move to Man City means they have been made to look elsewhere, while concerns about Alexander Isak’s future have accelerated their plans to sign a new striker.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 18 July that Newcastle feel Liverpool have unsettled Isak to make him force through a move to Anfield.
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