Eddie Howe addresses frustrations with Newcastle United's transfer business in first pre-season interview
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has spoken to the club's media team while out in Austria about how pre-season is going so far.
It's early days for the players, some of whom only returned to training this week after being granted extended leave, but Eddie Howe has revealed that he is pleased with the commitment and fitness levels shown by the lads.
Howe has been putting his charges through their paces ahead of Saturday's challenging pre-season friendly against Celtic at Celtic Park.
Hopefully, Newcastle fans will get their first look at new signing Anthony Elanga during that game.
Anthony Elanga is still Newcastle's only first-team signing this summer
Elanga remains Newcastle's only first-team signing of the summer so far, and speaking to NUFC TV, Eddie Howe touched on the difficulties the club has faced with transfers this summer.
“It was a difficult summer (to switch off) with everything going on behind the scenes.”
“Obviously losing Paul (Mitchell) and all of the dynamics changing within (the club). The Sporting Director role is such a pivotal role at the club, so there was a lot (of work) to pick up.
“There has been a lot of work, transfer wise, for very little incoming action, although we are delighted to get Anthony Elanga in, who has done very well in training so far.
“But a lot more work (is needed) behind the scenes in preparation for the new season.”
Eddie Howe seemed very frustrated when talking about transfers
Newcastle have reportedly walked away from trying to sign Hugo Ekitike, after already having failed to land Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo this summer as potential options up top.
Howe had wanted a couple of players in before the squad returned to training, but losing Paul Mitchell likely put a huge spanner in the works, and really, he was fortunate to get Elanga through the door as early as he did.
There's still plenty of time to get deals done, of course, but from Howe's perspective, it's a case of the sooner the better so he has more time to work with the new players ahead of the new season.
