Howe on hunt after popular stars depart
NEWCASTLE United boss Eddie Howe believes the devil is in the detail when it comes to his summer refresh in the transfer market.
Some popular figures behind the scenes left the club yesterday as Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie brought the curtain down on their careers at St James’ Park. And departures such as Jeff Hendrick, Loris Karius and Kell Watts will cut the club’s wage bill slightly.
But now the head coach must go about his business of replacing them and making sure there is a layer of
back-up at United. Howe said: “I know the positions and the type of detail of the player we are trying to bring to the club. That is best kept with me.
“For you guys (media) it’s a case of we are looking to improve every area of the team.
“If there’s a player we feel that can take the team to a new level we will look at it.”
Howe paid tribute to the departing clutch of players and reflected: “It’s easy to judge players by appearances and goals, but the contribution made to the club by Paul and Matt in particular really has been immeasurable over many years.
“They have had a huge influence on our progress as a team and as a club. They have been incredible people and players to work with.”
Meanwhile, Bruno Guimaraes has offered United fans some encouragement over his future at St James’ Park.
With a month-long transfer release clause about to kick in for the Brazil international, a nervous June awaits fans with £100m offers enough to trigger a possible exit. In the past 24 hours alone, Newcastle’s key star has been linked with Manchester City and Arsenal again.
But with speculation continuing to unfold, Bruno took to X with a simple message and posted: “The 23/24 season is over, bring on 24/25.”
For many that was an indication Bruno is keen to stay exactly where he is given he posted a reel of highlights involving himself and his highlights. It led the Newcastle Supporters Club to react by saying: “We will be there.”
It is a defiant response from the midfielder just days after the club’s place in Europe was effectively snatched away from them after Man United’s FA Cup final win over Man City.