Football General Manager
- Newcastle miss out on four targets to Premier League rivals
- Howe admits financial rules limiting squad-strengthening options
- Only Elanga signed so far amid mounting transfer frustration
Newcastle have seen several top targets slip through their fingers this summer, including Mbeumo to Manchester United and Ekitike to Liverpool. Chelsea also swooped in for Delap and Pedro, leaving Eddie Howe without key reinforcements. The Magpies’ only notable addition so far has been winger Anthony Elanga, as a number of positions remain unfilled and Howe has now revealed his frustration over the lack of movement.
Speaking to the media, Howe said: “My wish was for us to do our business early, and we certainly tried, but it wasn’t to be. We’ve had a frustrating time in terms of losing targets to other clubs. I’d be very open with that.
“That’s happened on several occasions. You just have to accept it. In order for a transfer to really work, in my opinion, the player has to be desperate to come to your club. If we don’t get that, the transfer doesn’t work.
“We’re seeking players that are good enough, that are desperate to come, and that can make the difference, that they’re in short supply for us.
“We’re confident that we can try and get some more players in to strengthen the depth of the squad. We’re certainly aware that we need to, and we’re trying as hard as we can to do that.”
Newcastle’s limited business is largely down to the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules. The club had to sell players like Lloyd Kelly and Sean Longstaff to maintain compliance. Additionally, their inability to offer high wages or compete with richer clubs has directly affected the calibre of players they can attract.
Howe added: “Finances of course play a huge part. I think anyone who doesn’t think that’s true is deluded. I wouldn’t say is the number one for every player. Every situation is different.
“But we aren’t the biggest payers in the league because we don’t generate the most income. So we have to fall in line with PSR and we have to be very smart with what we do. And so we have to control the wages of the players that we have and that all plays a part in who we can attract.”
The Magpies are continuing their efforts to bring in reinforcements before the transfer window closes. Howe is hopeful of securing at least two more signings to strengthen squad depth. The club is exploring creative ways to stay within PSR limits while remaining competitive on the pitch.
