Eddie Howe is getting ready to name his Newcastle United team to play against Southampton in just nine days. The pre-season preparations have been tricky due to players returning late from the European Championships and Copa America. Sandro Tonali won’t be able to join Premier League action until the game against Spurs on 1 September.
Injuries from last season and new injuries to players like Lewis Miley and Callum Wilson have added to the team’s challenges. With all these issues, Newcastle United fans are keeping a close eye on the transfer window, hoping for new signings to strengthen the team both in the short and long term.
Some familiar faces like Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie have not been offered new contracts, while young players Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh were sold for a reported combined fee of £68m. To address a shortfall of over £50m in the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules, the club has spent around £50m on new signings. These include Lewis Hall from Chelsea for £28m, Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest for around £4m, Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth for free, John Ruddy from Birmingham for free, Miodrag Pivas from FK Jedinstvo UB for a reported £1m, and Will Osula from Sheffield United for £10m plus potential future add-ons.
During a press conference, Eddie Howe explained his decision to sign a young player like Osula instead of a more expensive attacking option, citing the need to balance the budget and invest in other positions. With just 22 days left until the transfer window closes, Howe emphasized the importance of a central defensive signing in the next three weeks. He highlighted the absence of players like Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles as significant losses in the team’s defense and expressed the need to strengthen in that area. Despite not revealing details about Marc Guehi’s potential signing, Howe made it clear that central defense is a priority for Newcastle United in the upcoming transfer window.
