Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media this morning ahead of the big kick-off tomorrow, being quizzed on the current state of play regarding incomings.
He admits that “nothing has progressed” this week on new signings, but insists it’s not for the lack of effort, remaining “very hopeful” that we’ll add the players we need before the window shuts on September 1st.
The boss didn’t deny reports linking us with a move for James Maddison, however he refused to discuss that in any detail out of respect to Leicester City – a club he thinks highly of.
Howe also made some telling comments on our transfer policy and financial fair play. He stressed that the latter is something that we’ll be forced to live with for a “number of years” yet – reminding the media that we have NOT got billions to spend like some suggested once the Saudi takeover went through last year.
Here’s what he’s had to say on all of the above, admitting that we’ve been unfortunate with a few “missed” targets who opted to sign elsewhere – one being Hugo Ekitike!
Howe on current state of play regarding new signings:
“This week, nothing has progressed any further. The situation has remained the same since we made our last signing.
“We’re working hard to add to the group, we are active in the market, and we’ll see if we can add players before the window shuts.”
Howe on James Maddison links:
“I’m not going to talk about any individual players.
“I have respect for them and their club, but we’re working hard to try and add to the group.”
Howe on transfer frustration and ‘missed’ targets:
“There’s certainly no frustration from me aimed at the club, it’s the circumstances that we’ve missed out on a couple of players because they wanted to go elsewhere.
“I’m very hopeful we can do what we need to make the squad as strong as possible.”
Howe on FFP restrictions and media perceptions:
“It will continue to impact us, I think, for a number of years. We haven’t got the free rein that has been perceived in the media, that we can sign who we want and pay extortionate fees and wages.
“We’re not in that position and I don’t think we will be for some time”
“Hopefully you can see what I tried to tell you at the end of last season was the truth. FFP will impact us for a number of years.”
“We’re not in a position to pay wages or fees some people think. We have to be creative and smart.”
