Eddie Howe believes our three summer signings have added quality, character and added competition to his Newcastle squad ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Sven Botman, Nick Pope and Matt Targett have taken our spending so far to just shy of £60m, with the Toon boss “excited” to see them all in action next week.
Howe also talked up the importance of having at least TWO quality players in each position, feeling the coming season will be a demanding one for his squad given the hectic schedule either side of this winter’s World Cup.
On the subject of internationals, the NUFC boss confirmed that the nine players absent from Friday’s session – the opening day of pre-season training – will be back with the group on Wednesday, with the likes of Guimaraes, Trippier, Schar, Krafth, Almiron, Wood and Hendrick given extended breaks after representing their country soon after the 2021/22 season ended.
So, we can expect to see them joined by new boys Botman and Pope next week, with us set to face Gateshead on the 9th July before travelling to Austria for a training camp.
Here’s what Howe told NUFC TV when asked about his three signings so far:
