Some surprising claims emerged from The Mail’s Craig Hope over the weekend, with the North-East reporter stating that Eddie Howe was ‘ready to gamble’ on the fitness of Callum Wilson.
After missing out on Hugo Ekitike and being quoted huge fees for Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ivan Toney, it was Hope’s understanding that Howe could now stick with what he’s got and keep his fingers crossed our current number nine stays injury free.
Personally, I’m very confident this is nothing more than a negotiation tactic from the NUFC boss. If Howe comes out saying he’s desperate for a new striker, those inflated fees we’ve been quoted aren’t coming down anytime soon.
If we made clubs believe we couldn’t do without, they’d have leverage over us during transfer talks and continue to stand firm on fees. But should we back away from certain deals and play down the need for a new striker, sellers might just realise we really won’t pay over the odds.
Our new owners seem determined to shop smart and debunk this idea that we’re currently the ‘richest club in the world’, so Howe putting out this line to one of the leading local journalists could be a wise and calculated move.
The season may start in two and a half weeks time, but the transfer window doesn’t shut until September 1st. It seems we’re biding our time and refusing to set a precedent when it comes to overpaying – which is vital if there really is only £40-50m left (plus cash from player sales) to bring in a striker AND a right-winger this summer.
Here’s what Hope reported, followed by Howe’s comments on Callum Wilson:
“No one has ever doubted Callum’s ability.
“He is an outstanding striker, and he showed that coming back from a long injury and performing well at the end of the season. I would love him to have an injury-free campaign.
‘We are looking for (15 to 20 goals) from our No 9, for sure – whether that’s Callum on his own or with Chris Wood.
“We need those goals from our front players. We believe they are capable of delivering those numbers.”
For starters if we were to depend on Wilson and wood I would get Rid of Wood and keep Gayle.Wood is a overpriced Useless Flop.Who ever recommended paying £25 million for Wood should be Sacked.
Jonboy(Quote)
Not sure what your logic is. Wilson scores one in just under 3 while Wood – even with his disastrous last season is scoring one in just over 3.
Gayle is nearer to one in 6 in the Prem.
I would bring someone up from the academy before I depend on Gayle in the Prem.
Daveys **** mate(Quote)
There is no way that Howe would even contemplate relying on Wilson and Wood.
Wilson’s history over the years suggests he is likely to get injured and there’s nothing to suggest the coming season will be any different.
Wilson’s good for 16 or 17 goals if he plays the full season, but again, there’s nothing to suggest he will.
We will bring in another striker.
Daveys **** mate(Quote)