Speaking to the media earlier today, Eddie Howe was asked a number of questions on our upcoming transfer plans as we edge closer to the summer window with five games of the season left to play.
Howe admitted we are not in a “financial position” to “recruit ready-made elite players”, feeling the wages and transfer fees they demand may be out of our price range due to FFP; an issue he feels is impacting so many clubs up and down the Premier League.
However, he feels we can still sign players with the potential to develop into “world-class” talents, believing we must be “really smart” in the market to bring in those able to push the team forward.
The boss also discussed his preference to make “minimal changes”, but accepts there could be movement – in and out – ahead of a summer that’s “difficult to predict” after such a quiet January. He also answered questions around fan expectations and signing the right characters.
“I think with our current situation and the landscape of the financial position I am not sure we are able to recruit ready-made elite players.” Howe said. “The players you are trying to get across, I don’t think we are in a position to do that and I don’t think we were in a position to do that last year.
“I can’t predict the future, but where we sit now – in terms of wages and transfer fees – I don’t think we are in a position to do that. So we have to sign and develop those players with the potential to become world class players. I think we are well on our way to doing that with a few players already. So it doesn’t mean you can’t have them in your squad, it just means you have to work really hard (in the market). I have got no issue doing it.
“I think we have to be really smart with our recruitment. I think we have to be maybe different to some of the other clubs we are in and around. It is all about the individual player not what bracket they’re in. It’s about what they can do for us and how they can take the team or squad forward.”
“I always have a clear vision of what I want to do, but this is going to be a summer that’s difficult to predict in so many ways. Like January was. So there’s a lot to unfold. Whatever happens, we can create a slightly different team – that might be what we have to do. I want to make minimal changes, but enough to transport us forward.”
Asked if expectations need to be managed ahead of the summer window, he said: “The supporters have been very understanding. We are not exclusively in this position. A lot of other clubs are where we are, where financial restrictions are limiting our ability to do the things we want to do. We are getting used to that. Every club is reacting within their own means.
“The only frustrating thing for me is when the outside expectations aren’t linear with the reality of what we’re working with. Because then expectations, talk and all the rumours that we are supposed to be signing these players impacts expectations.”
Howe then discussed the importance of signing the right characters. “I’ve got no problem managing egos, they exist! I think it’s about how you manage the squad. With recruitment, of course the characters you bring in are so important. You get the ones that would fit – not just in playing style but off the pitch as well in terms of their mentality and conduct. So we put a lot of emphasis on that. Hopefully, when it comes down to that point we’ll make the right decisions.”
