Eddie Howe has been speaking to the press about Newcastle United’s January transfer plans this morning, discussing how Jonjo Shelvey’s injury and Financial Fair Play could impact our approach.
The boss insists that news he will be missing for six to eight weeks has not forced any “immediate decision” on the recruitment front, insisting that the club are taking time to reflect on our next move.
Let’s face it, Howe was never going to come out and confirm we are now in the market for a new midfielder, as signs of desperation in a notoriously tough January transfer window would only add to the ‘Newcastle tax’ we struggled with 12 months ago.
With that in mind, his responses today feel smart and carefully selected just days after local journalists have revealed our interest in the likes of Youri Tielemans, Moises Caicedo, Khephren Thuram and Kouadio Kone.
Howe’s comments on FFP today also lowered expectations with regards to our current spending power – another wise move from a negotiation stance – yet he did suggest that next month may be more about improving the squad than his first-team, saying it would hamper our summer budget if we spent big again in January.
Here’s what he’s had to say on the transfer front, starting with his response to Jonjo Shelvey’s injury and how that may have impacted our plans:
“That’s something we’re reflecting on and analysing on a daily basis.
“It’s a forever changing thing, day by day. It hasn’t forced an immediate reaction to say we must do this or whatever, but we’ll see over time and reflect.
“We will have a look at it. I don’t think it has forced any immediate decision.”
Howe on FFP issues and his ability to improve the first-team:
“With an unlimited budget it’s maybe possible to improve the team, but with FFP looming it’s almost impossible.
“But can we improve the squad, that’s the question? What we don’t want is to handcuff ourselves for future windows.”
Eddie is doing his sleight of hand with FFP. It is not an issue is we qualify for the CL and the Saudis can give him all the money he needs to finish top 4. Mr. Howe is a very shrewd operator.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Am I the only one that thinks Eddie just plays to the journo crowd and tells them what they want to hear – that we will not spend big and our ambitions are for next year and beyond. He has an unlimited budget. We can get who we want at whatever price. Man City went to court and won over FFP. Chelsea had a 1 year transfer ban but bought Pulisic before it even started.
What about PSG? Or Everton, for that matter.
Why are these journos so worried about FFP for NUFC?
Eric Sykes(Quote)