Howe reveals type of player he plans to sign and questions rules restricting Saudi owners

by Olly Hawkins · 9 May 2024, 17:41

Eddie Howe has hinted that Newcastle will continue to sign "up-and-coming" talents who they can develop into superstars, explaining why these players fit his style perfectly.

Speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap, Howe revealed that young players with the potential to grow are not only more affordable in the world of FFP, but easier to mold into his style of play.

Howe discussed his plan to sign big prospects who "haven't hit their best levels yet", believing the club will look to "get them early" and develop them into top players rather than spending mega-money on pre-established stars; who he finds are sometimes more reluctant to adapt their game to suit the team.

"We are recruiting players who are up-and-coming." He told Neville. "Players that haven't hit their best levels yet. So we try to get them early, develop them and hope they can grow into those (top) players.

"Those players fit my style really well. You are developing them and growing them in a certain way. Molding them so they can fit into the team model. If you have a finished product, there's not much molding to do there.

"That's not to say there's not space for a superstar or a difference-maker - you can accommodate them as well - but for where we are at the moment with the constraints we're working under, that's the best way for us to work."

"Smart recruitment (is key). That is going to be where we succeed or fail. Getting players cheaper than their market value and getting them before they are recognised and develop them."

Howe was also asked about the 'richest club in the world' tag and made his feelings clear on the FFP restrictions that continue to limit our spending, despite the arrival of Saudi investment:

“Whenever you hear Newcastle mentioned externally, in the media, it’s always as the richest club in the world. That tag goes next to it and that has been difficult for us because it almost creates a pressure on us even though we are not living that reality. We’ve had to battle that and I think the players have handled that really, really well.

“Look, I’ve come from a club like Bournemouth which had to invest to grow so I’m the same train of thought as you [clubs should be able to spend what they want] if the owner has got the money and wants to invest and put money into the club in a safe way, why can’t they spend that money?

“That’s how football should work. We don’t want to see clubs get into any sort of financial problems long term but as long as that money is ring fenced they should be able to use it.”

Watch the brilliant interview in full below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6ihWYm8waY&t=2553s&ab_channel=TheOverlap