Eddie Howe is currently grappling with one of his biggest concerns at Newcastle United the late arrival of key summer signings despite previously warning the club’s owners, PIF, about the need for swift recruitment.
Following Newcastle’s final-day loss to Everton last season, Howe made it clear to the hierarchy including former sporting director Paul Mitchell and the recruitment team that early signings were vital to prepare properly for the new campaign. “Speed is key,” he insisted at the time, emphasizing the need to act fast in a competitive market.
Fast forward four months, and Newcastle are experiencing the fallout of a sluggish transfer window. Howe admitted it was far from ideal to bring in players like striker Nick Woltemade so late, particularly when several key additions were required. The goalless draw against Bournemouth underlined the integration issues, with Woltemade and his teammates struggling to connect.
Howe reflected on his earlier plea for early signings, stating: “Of course that was my intention and everyone at the club’s. No one wants to start the season with a squad still coming together.” But he acknowledged that various factors led to delays, and now it’s about making the best of the current situation.
“This summer was difficult, maybe not turbulent, but certainly challenging,” Howe said. “We had to come through it as strongly as possible. The squad is strong, but now the hard work begins to make it a cohesive unit.”
Known for his detail-oriented coaching style, Howe typically allows new signings time to adjust as seen with players like Bruno Guimarães and Alexander Isak. But with Yoane Wissa injured, Woltemade has been thrown into action before having a proper adjustment period. His distinctive style of play and the leap to Premier League football mean both he and the team will need time to adapt.
Howe added: “This is the biggest squad overhaul since I arrived. Ideally, you have a full pre-season to build chemistry we didn’t get that. Now, we’ll have to develop those connections while playing matches. It’s not new to me, and I’m ready for it.”
Woltemade may be given a rest for tonight’s Carabao Cup clash against Bradford, with summer signing Aaron Ramsdale potentially making his debut in goal.
