'He probably is': Eddie Howe feels Newcastle United got a bargain when they signed £13m giant
Eddie Howe's first transfer window as Newcastle United boss was transformational, and some of those initial signings are still going strong almost four years on.
Newcastle were staring relegation in the face when Eddie Howe took over at Newcastle, and with that reality in mind, he knew that even the PIF's vast wealth and green light to spend it wouldn't be easy, as he'd have to convince top players to join, knowing that there's a good chance they'd have to have a season in the Championship.
Thankfully, the likes of Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes were willing to take that risk, and as a result, the Magpies avoided relegation in style that season.
While the likes of Matt Targett and Chris Wood played their part, they ultimately became expendable, but Trippier and Bruno are still going strong, as is the £13 million signing from Brighton, Dan Burn.
Eddie Howe feels Newcastle could have paid £30 million for Dan Burn
Nobody could have seen what an important player Burn would become when he joined that January. Probably not even the man himself, who was convinced that his chance of ever playing for his beloved Newcastle had gone when the takeover was announced. Of course, the opposite proved true, and Burn hasn't looked back since and is now an England international.
When asked about Burn's importance and how Newcastle got a bargain at £13 million during Friday morning's press conference, Howe misheard the question and thought he was asked about his £30 million signing, which made him chuckle, but ultimately, Howe agreed that he has perhaps been worth that figure.
“I thought you said £30m then. That’s why I hesitated. I thought, ‘Gosh, that’s lumpy!’.
“But he genuinely probably was when you look at value for money and what he’s given the club.
“At the time we signed him, it was a key signing. We needed someone to bring leadership and experience to the backline and a winning mentality etc.
“We were in a relegation battle and needed players that then wanted to come and he had links to the area and wanted to come home.
“It turned out to be an amazing transfer and he’s been worth every penny and some more for what he’s given and continues to give.
“He’s a really inspiring character and I love the fact that he’s been rewarded on the international stage. It’s great to see a good person and character rewarded in that way. Now he’s got to keep going and see what else he can achieve.”
Dan Burn is working towards his coaching badges
Burn has always got on with the task at hand, never complained about being shifted out of position or taken to heart the criticisms that came his way during that period.
He's now working towards his coaching badges, and we genuinely hope that it leads him to a career off the pitch at Newcastle, as there are few players who just 'get it' as much as Burn does.
With Eddie Howe as a mentor, too, he's in the best place to develop those skills. For now, though, he's still got plenty to give on the pitch.
