Eddie Howe plan taking shape as next phase of Newcastle transfer strategy revealed
A report claims Newcastle United will target the South American market as Eddie Howe oversees the next stage of the club’s development.
The Tynesiders have already emerged from the austerity of life under Mike Ashley to become serious players in the English game. The Saudi-backed takeover has provided funds to build a squad capable of challenging for honours. And there have been plenty of positive signs under Howe.
Last season was about stability and the former Bournemouth chief managed to guide his charges to 11th in the standings.
They invested wisely in the January transfer window, recruiting players to help stave off the threat of relegation. And, having surpassed expectations, the club’s hierarchy forked out more than £100m in the summer on new faces.
Alexander Isak became the club’s record signing when they paid Real Sociedad £63m for his services. And French club Lille were the recipients of £33m for defender Sven Botman.
Matt Targett’s loan spell became permanent while goalkeeper Nick Pope arrived from Burnley.
All eyes will now be on St James’ Park when the transfer window reopens. And a report in iNews suggests they already have plans in place to further strengthen the ranks.
The outlet states that director of football Dan Ashworth will scout South America for the best talent available.
A number of top European clubs have gone down that route. Brazilian stars are commonplace in the Premier League and on the continent.
Newcastle already had Joelinton on the books before Brazil international Bruno Guimaraes arrived in January. And it seems as though there may be many more from that continent arriving in the coming years.
Howe has eyes on Brazilian wonderkid
Newcastle’s owners resisted the temptation of trying to immediately lure huge names to the north east.
Many of the world’s leading lights were linked but rumours proved to be well wide of the mark. But Howe now has the makings of a solid squad that has moved up to seventh in the table.
They have won only two of eight league contests but five draws have helped boost the points tally.
Whether or not the current squad can break into the top four is open to debate. Most pundits feel it needs a few more additions and one player linked is 18-year-old Brazilian Andrey Santos.
It was suggested that Newcastle offered Vasco da Gama £30m for his signature during the summer window.
That was rejected, with the Estadio Sao Januario outfit holding out for closer to £43m.
Australian youngster Garang Kuol will arrive in the new year. But the Magpies face serious competition if they want to get Santos on board as well.
The likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have been mentioned in connection with the former Brazil Under-16 ace.
Eddie Howe looking for young talent
Newcastle’s transfer policy looks certain to shift as the club develops. Recruiting seasoned professionals such as Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood helped to steady the ship and ensure the club’s top-flight survival.
The report adds that Ashworth is now eager to buy young players with potential, to ensure the long-term prosperity of the club.
That policy would negate the necessity to fork out huge sums on transfer fees. And it may be that plans are already afoot as Globo Esporte are suggesting that Newcastle are keen on Santos starlet Angelo Gabriel.
The 17-year-old has already made 47 appearances for his club and has been tipped for a move to Europe.
Newcastle now have the funds to bring some of the finest talent to St James’ Park. But money does not always guarantee success.
It is what you do with the resources that counts. And it appears as though they have a clear plan in place to ensure that the club remains on an upward trajectory.
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