'We certainly tried': Eddie Howe shares his frustration over Newcastle United's lack of transfer business
It certainly hasn't been for a lack of trying, but Newcastle United's transfer activity this summer has been nothing short of frustrating.
While the Magpies have brought in Anthony Elanga, they have also seen potential signings of Dean Huijsen, Liam Delap, Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, and Hugo Ekitike pass them by, with James Trafford also looking shaky right now.
Not every one of those names was destined for Newcastle, but a couple were certainly realistic targets, and talks were underway before they opted to move elsewhere.
Yesterday's 4-0 hammering at the hands of Celtic really emphasised the need for new players ahead of what is going to be a very difficult campaign.
Eddie Howe says the type of player Newcastle wants is in short supply
Newcastle had four big players missing yesterday, and without them, the squad looked really thin, which is going to be a huge problem when we're competing on four fronts next season.
Meanwhile, some existing players didn't exactly coat themselves in glory at Celtic Park. We're looking at you, Nick Pope. So it's understandable that Eddie Howe is frustrated by the club's business so far this summer, telling reporters that he can't give any guarantees of any new arrivals (via Newcastle World).
“Yes, I wish I could give you clarity. I wish I could give you some kind of guarantee that all that's going to happen, but I can't. Yes, my wish was for us to do our business early, and we certainly tried, but it wasn't to be. We've had a frustrating time in terms of losing targets to other clubs, and I'd be very open with that.
“That's happened on several occasions. You just have to accept it. In order for a transfer to really work, in my opinion, the player has to be desperate to come to your club, and if we don't get that, the transfer doesn't work.
“We're seeking players that are good enough, that are desperate to come, and that can make the difference but they're on short supply for us.
“We're confident that we can try and get some more players in to strengthen the depth of the squad. We're certainly aware that we need to, and we're trying as hard as we can to do that.”
We're just going to throw all the blame at Paul Mitchell
The departure of Paul Mitchell certainly hasn't helped matters, as he would have been the driving force behind recruitment, but with him gone, a huge chunk of the responsibility has to fall to Eddie Howe, who would rather be taking the coaching sessions and figuring out tactics.
We can't blame Paul Mitchell for everything, but we're going to anyway because what kind of sporting director runs away in the middle of a transfer window?
Hopefully, the club now realises the pressing need for more players and stops messing about in the market trying to get a shilling knocked off every price they're quoted and just actually buys someone.
