Eddie Howe's 'ultimate' Newcastle United squad objective
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe's answer in Japan on outgoing transfers, and Martin Dubravka's future, as fans wait on summer signings.
The focus at Newcastle United, as ever, is on incoming signings.
But there’s also likely to be one or more outgoings.
The club had to sell Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh last month to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
And Eddie Howe has admitted that further departures are a possibility given the need to balance both the squad and the club’s books.
The futures of Miguel Almiron and Kieran Trippier, two players who have been key figures for Howe, have been the subject of speculation this summer.
And Jamal Lewis – who spent last season on loan at Watford – is also facing an uncertain future at the club, which is in Japan for the J-League International Series.
Asked if there could be more outgoings, Howe said: “I think, in these current times we’re in, we have to have movement out for us to bring players in.
“That’s part of the landscape, and Financial Fair Play, not just now, but going forward.
“So, yes, I don’t know what that looks like, but I’m sure there’ll be some movement.”
Howe, keen to strengthen his squad for the new season, is reluctant to predict too much given the inherent unpredictability of the summer transfer window.
“A lot can change, and that’s why I don’t try to predict what’s going to happen, because it’s impossible to do that,” said Howe.
“You’re sort of reacting on a consistent basis as to what can happen, but the ultimate objective is to make sure we’re stronger than this time last year.”
Supporters were relieved when a £100million release clause in Bruno Guimaraes’ contract expired at the end of June.
“The release clause was never something that was on my mind, and I don’t think it was on his mind, either,” said Howe.
“But, of course, it was there, and we’re delighted that it’s passed with nothing happening. Now we can focus on him being at Newcastle, and hopefully having another season like did last year.”
There has also been speculation this summer over the future of Anthony Gordon, another player Howe would not want to lose.
Goalkeeping decision
Howe named five goalkeepers – Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, John Ruddy, Odysseas Vlachodimos and Max Thompson – in his 29-man squad for the club’s pre-season visit to Japan.
Vlachodimos and Ruddy joined the club this summer, and Howe was asked what their arrivals meant for long-serving Martin Dubravka’s future at the club after last night’s 4-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds in Saitama.
Dubravka – who played for Slovakia at Euro 2024 – will be keen for more first-team this season, something he may not get at Newcastle.
“I think that means there’s competition for places,” said Howe, who turned to Dubravka midway through last season after Pope dislocated his shoulder.
“Of course, we haven’t seen a lot of Martin yet. He’s done a couple of training sessions since coming back. He got extended time off because of his international exploits.
“So yeah, that’s something we’ll assess as we go on.”
Dubravka joined the club, initially on loan, in 2018 during Rafa Benitez’s time as manager.
The 35-year-old had an abortive loan at Manchester United the season before last.