Speaking to the press this morning, Eddie Howe has revealed his increased frustration at Sandro Tonali’s ban and reacted to the Premier League vote that took place this week on related-party loan deals.
The boss admits Tonali has been training better than ever, saying it’s “probably the best we’ve seen him” since that £55m move from AC Milan, making it “even more frustrating” that he can’t feature until August next year. Howe insists he’s “coping very well”, feeling it’s a “hallmark of his character” how he’s reacted to his lengthy suspension.
As for the vote to temporarily ban related-party loans (which failed to pass earlier this week), Howe was keen to remind everyone that it was a Premier League vote that impacted several clubs, not just Newcastle United, with the ‘majority’ of top flight rivals adopting multi-club models.
He’s ‘very relaxed’ on the situation and happy with the squad he has, adding that our January plans will be drawn up nearer the time given the number of injury issues that must be assessed between now and then. Here’s what he had to say on all of the above:
Eddie Howe on Sandro Tonali:
“Sandro has been training very well, which makes it even more frustrating that we can’t use him.
“It’s probably the best we’ve seen him train.
“He’s coping very well with the situation I’d say, it’s a hallmark of his character.”
Eddie Howe on Premier League vote that attempted to block related-party loans in January:
“It was a Premier League vote. We’re not the only club involved in that vote. The majority of clubs in the Premier League own other clubs around the world so it’s not solely on us…
“We’re very relaxed on it. It’s not the be all and end all for us. We’ve got a squad we really like.”
Eddie Howe on January transfer plans:
“We’re going to have to be reactive. There’s not one area, there’s a few [suffering with injuries].
“It would be a mistake to focus on January now.”
"It's not solely on us" ❌
Eddie Howe on Premier League clubs voting against a temporary ban on loan deals between associated clubs for the January transfer window! pic.twitter.com/pggGaNqCGJ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 24, 2023
