Newcastle United are on a two game trip to Japan and Eddie Howe has set a surprise target for the new season amid continued links with the England job this summer
Eddie Howe has insisted he has no contact from the Football Association about the vacant England job - as he leads “groggy” Newcastle in Japan.
The Geordies played the first friendly of their tour of Wednesday as they beat Urawa Red Diamonds 4-1, and Howe has admitted the travelling, heat and humidity have taken a toll on his squad. The Magpies next face Yokohama on Saturday on a tour which will boost their Far East fanbase and club income.
Howe has a host of issues to deal with while in Japan, including England, the slow transfer market, the future of Anthony Gordon, the fitness of Sandro Tonali as he returns from a ban and setting ambitious targets for the new season.
Has Eddie Howe got the firepower in the transfer market to make a big signing?
The last time Newcastle visited Japan, they announced the £15m world record signing of Alan Shearer. What chances a repeat during this tour?
Howe was reminded of that day and asked if he could strike a similar “blockbuster”, say for Harry Kane or the equivalent this summer. The answer fitted with the downbeat talk of the summer. There is cash to spend, but not to grab elite ready made stars.
Howe said: “A blockbuster like that might be difficult. The (financial) rules change transfers… I hope not permanently. I hope in time we will improve our position to sign those calibre of players but currently it is difficult for us. We are planning ahead and being very aware financially and I hope it won’t be forever.”
Could Newcastle lose Howe to England, and what’s his latest update?
The Football Association don’t seem to be in a huge rush to find Gareth Southgate’s successor, with Lee Carsley a stand-in option for the next few months. That will be a relief to Newcastle who want to keep Howe and not be disrupted by instability. The question keeps being asked though.
“Absolutely no contact from anyone,” he said. “And I am fully committed to Newcastle. There is nothing to talk about and I don’t need to address the players. They know on a daily basis how committed I am to the club.”
Bruno is back, but will Liverpool land Anthony Gordon?
Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes joined up with the squad in Japan - a relief after his £100m release clause expired in June. He seems secure as a Toon player for the new season.
“Delighted Bruno is back,” said Howe. “The release clause was never on my mind. It was there and we are delighted it is past without anything happening and he can focus on having a great season like he did last year.”
But what about Anthony Gordon? Liverpool’s June interest is still there and we are yet to hear what the player makes of being wanted by a top four rival in his hometown. That will remain a worry until Gordon clarifies his future or Liverpool stump up £80m.
.
Kieran Trippier is exploring his next move after a meeting in Dubai about a move to the Saudi League. Howe says: “That is difficult for me to comment on. He is on holiday having well earned down time after his exploits with the national team. He has total freedom to do what he likes. I think the picture in question is a personal relationship. Is he back next week? Absolutely.” Miggy Almiron, Martin Dubravka, Callum Wilson (currently injured) could also have decisions to make on their futures soon.
Sandro Tonali protection as he tunes up for a return after eight month ban
The Italian can play against Spurs on September 1, and he’s already been talked of as “like a new signing”. He has trained well and is fit, but can’t play in official games, only behind the scenes training run outs.
Howe has given an update on where Tonali fits in this season saying: “He is good and mentally he has been excellent in this long period. He has trained very well. He is low maintenance to manage. He will get up to speed quickly but there has to be an understanding, there is no way to get the games he needs into his legs. Training has been smaller than full games. It will take a while to get back to his very best levels. He is fit, focused and a very big player for us.”
So what can Newcastle achieve?
For the last couple of seasons, the major figures have remained coy about their targets. Not this year. Starting with CEO Darren Eales, and now Howe, there is a public acceptance that chasing a top four finish is essential. Qualifying for Europe the minimum. How else could they sell the current project to world class Alexander Isak and Bruno.
“Last season was an amazing season and playing in the Champions League was incredible. We want another memorable one and the focus has to be being back in it.”
Jet-setting taking a toll?
In May Newcastle flew to Australia for two money-making friendlies. Then they had a training camp in Germany two weeks ago. Now they are halfway around the world again in Japan for a week. That takes a toll but is also an education.
On the downside Howe admits training was a bit “groggy” and lacking the usual energy, on Tuesday.
But tours are “part of elite football” these days and Howe added: “Howe said: We are excited by our trip, an amazing country and city and we are privileged to be here. If we can have new experiences and make the players more rounded and cultured that can benefit them.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
