With the season finished, certain players approaching the end of their contracts and others receiving interest from elsewhere, it’s the time of year where new deals will be discussed.
Kicking off with Bruno Guimaraes, Fabrizio Romano reports that we’re in discussions with the Brazilian over a new, long-term deal.
It’s in the ‘early stages’, but seems like a wise move to fend off interest from Liverpool and Barcelona – also rewarding the midfielder for his outstanding performances over the past 18 months.
Next up is Loris Karius. The Athletic report that he’s held conversation with Eddie Howe about extending his stay on Tyneside.
His current contract is due to expire this summer and he’s received interest from Italy, so it remains to be seen if he’ll stick around or leave for Serie A.
Then to Matt Ritchie, Football Insider claims that we’re in ‘advanced talks’ with the 33-year-old, who Howe values as a key member behind the scenes. His current deal is due to expire this summer, but it seems the former Bournemouth boss is keen to keep him for another season.
Last but not least, Howe has already gone public on his plans to keep Paul Dummett, saying he ‘hopes we can come to an agreement‘ to extend his stay on Tyneside. He’s another out of contract in a few weeks time and someone who has barely featured all season, but it seems Howe has no plans to lose him jus yet.
Bruno is an absolute no brainer – sign him up for as long as we can I say!!.
Karius – there’s an argument for. Dubravka will want to leave for more regular football I expect and I’d sell Darlow too – so Karius will do as backup for Pope.
But Ritchie & Dummett???.
If they want to give them coaching roles or something like that then fair enough – but they take up valuable squad places as playing staff and the 30k a week or whatever they’ll be on is a lot of money for a pair of cheerleaders – and I genuinely mean that with the least amount of disrespect as possible coz both have been good servants to the club.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Come on Olly
Do you really think, when we’re trying to build a squad to take on Europe that we’ll be handing out slots to Dummett and Ritchie?
Daveys **** mate(Quote)
Howe has already confirmed he wants to give both new deals and now we’re seeing reports that they’re in talks.
Doesn’t mean I think they should stay, but you’ll have to take that up with Howe, not me!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
It’s a puzzler, no doubt so here’s some thoughts
nufc’re not building a CL squad in this transfer window .. that’ll take time as they’re working to correct years of neglect within the constraints of a system designed by those at the top to protect those at the top
we don’t know the terms of the contracts, either role or finances so best not to guess what Howe has in mind for them
focussing purely on contribution in games and dismissing building a culture is a little disingenuous to what Howe has achieved at the club. That 5h1t doesn’t just happen.
if Howe who, let’s face it gets to live this day in and day out, thinks they have a role and his media comments suggest he does then he’s earned that right to decide. If he’s leading the media a dance, which he’s been known to do, then it’ll be interesting to see how it turns out
dummett counts towards the home grown quota required by uefa btw
GoWest!Mag(Quote)