Speaking after Sunday’s 5-0 hammering at Man City, Eddie Howe was asked about our summer transfer plans and the potential for a clear-out – and his response was quite telling.
The NUFC boss admitted that there’ll be players “who have represented the club in a brilliant way” who will “move on”, also revealing that he’ll have to let go of players he “loves” and has a “great relationship with” for the “benefit of the team.”
Listening to those comments, the following six players came to mind:
- Matt Ritchie
- Federico Fernandez
- Ciaran Clark
- Dwight Gayle
- Isaac Hayden
- Karl Darlow
All of which have been at the club for several years now, generally serving us well, but all six have struggled for game time under the 44-year-old and seem highly likely to be moved on in the coming months.
Some are out of contract next summer (Clark, Fernandez, Ritchie) – meaning this is our final chance to receive a small transfer fee – while others just need a move for game time they just won’t be given next season (Darlow, Gayle, Hayden).
Not only that, it’s about time we moved on ‘deadwood’ that either fills a precious space in our 25-man squad or takes up a chunk of our wage bill; which will need to be managed as we begin to sign more and more high earners.
Here’s exactly what Howe said when asked about the changes he expects to oversee this summer:
“I think every summer I’ve been in management, I’ve had to make difficult decisions at the end of the season.
“Players that you love and have a great relationship with, sometimes have to leave for the benefit of the team.
“This season will be no different. I’m sure there’ll be players that will move on, who have represented the club in a brilliant way.
“Those decisions can wait until the end of the season. For me now, it’s about making judgements and assessments on everybody I’m working with.
“The training ground is a hugely important place for me, so I’m making judgements there, and then of course on days like today [vs Man City], I’m making judgements on players’ futures, based on what I see.
“I think that’s natural.”
Miguel Almiron could also be added to this list, especially when you consider Howe’s second last line. He gives his all – and did against at Man City – but he lacks the quality and cutting edge to impact games where he really needs to in the final third.
I’d even argue that Sean Longstaff’s future should not be safe – despite talk of positive discussions over a new deal – as he too is down the pecking order at present, poorer than many of our current options and below the level we are aspiring to reach in the coming years. That said, it would make sense to secure a new deal to at least protect a future transfer fee, as he could easily be sold for £5-10m.
As for the other six, it would be in the best interest of player and club if they were all moved on this summer and thanked for their service – although it may be easier said than done to find buyers for some of them; especially when the likes of Ritchie and Gayle will be on the sort of money Championship sides may struggle to pay.
