Eddie Howe has labelled Newcastle’s transfer window activity as ‘challenging’ after his side’s win over Tottenham.
But whilst the number of incomings has been a frustration for Howe, he says Newcastle could still see players depart the club this month, with transfer windows in other countries still open.
Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-1 on Sunday, courtesy of goals from Harvey Barnes and Alexander Isak, with the latter sparing Dan Burn and Nick Pope‘s blushes after a clumsy own goal.
The Magpies spent almost £44million this summer, with £28m of it being spent on Chelsea‘s Lewis Hall, but Howe has seen it as a difficult window.
This summer, Newcastle have failed to make interest in any of Marc Guehi, Anthony Elanga, James Trafford, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Malick Thiaw materialise.
When asked if he spoke to Newcastle chairman and PIF governor Yasir Al Rumayyan, who was in attendance at the game, Howe said: “No [I haven’t spoken to him]. But I hope to catch up with them afterwards.
“Challenging [summer] in one word. Challenging because we knew going into the window, it was going to be challenging and it proved no different. The only thing I can do is tell you my feelings and that’ll be the same for everyone connected with the club.
“There’s no one in a different position who’s connected with the club that’s wanting to do as good a job as we all can and try and improve the squad, it was challenging. But by not spending the sums that maybe was expected, hopefully, that helps us in future windows.
“I don’t know as I sit here today hopefully, that gives us a bit more freedom in the future to be a bit more proactive.”
Kieran Trippier – who announced his retirement from international football this week – remained on the bench for the clash.
The ex-England international has been linked with interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, with their transfer windows not shutting until October 6 and September 13 respectively. Trippier was also linked with Everton earlier this summer.
And it’s a move to the latter Howe shut down after the one against Spurs.
2
The Newcastle boss did name drop Jamal Lewis as a player that could still leave, though.
“Absolutely, I want Kieran here,” said the Magpies boss. “That hasn’t changed, and that won’t change. I woke up to the stories via a few messages, as you do, but that was the first I’d heard of it.”
He continued: “Maybe the players who have been linked with a move, like Jamal Lewis, could possibly leave. But we certainly hope that no one else does.”
Newcastle are also hoping to move on Isaac Hayden, who is currently training with the Under-21s.
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