Eddie Howe can't hide his frustration after double Newcastle United exit & transfer snubs
Newcastle United are currently without a sporting director in what has been a challenging transfer window.
Eddie Howe admits it has been a difficult summer at Newcastle United, with the head coach struggling to switch off during the off-season.
Newcastle ended the 2024-25 campaign on a high after securing Champions League qualification on the final day against Everton. But since then, there have been behind-the-scenes changes, transfer frustration and a notable player departure.
Just a few days after last season ended, it was announced that Paul Mitchell would be leaving his role as sporting director after just 12 months. With no immediate successor, the transfer window has fallen on the shoulders of Howe and recruitment duo Steve Nickson and Andy.
Eddie Howe reacts to Paul Mitchell’s departure
While Newcastle last week celebrated a breakthrough in the summer window with the £55million signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, Howe revealed the club have put in a lot of work transfer-wise, but for little reward.
And that frustration could be best summed up this week. United were in advanced talks with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign striker Hugo Ekitike, only for Liverpool to swoop in after being told Alexander Isak was not for sale.
Earlier this month, the Magpies also saw Joao Pedro favour a move to Chelsea. When asked about the summer so far, Howe could not hide his frustrations,
Speaking to NUFCTV, Howe said: “It was probably quite a difficult summer for that [switching], with everything that was going on behind the scenes.
“Obviously losing Paul and all of the dynamics changing within. He's just a sporting director, such a pivotal role at the club. So I think there was a lot to pick up. There's been a lot of work, transfer-wise, for very little incoming action.
“Although we're delighted to get Anthony Elanga in, of course, who's done really well in the first couple of days training. So we're delighted to get him in. But a lot more work behind the scenes for preparation for the new season.”
Eddie Howe reacts to Callum Wilson’s exit
Mitchell isn’t the only high-profile departure with Newcastle last week bidding farewell to Callum Wilson.
Howe was gutted to see the back of Wilson, who turned down a new contract, having worked with the player for the past 11 years. The pair first worked together at AFC Bournemouth before reuniting on Tyneside in November 2021.
The 33-year-old enjoyed a successful five years on Tyneside, where he scored 49 goals in 130 appearances. He leaves a whole in the squad with United under pressure to find someone to come in and support Isak.
“Unbelievable player, person, character - can’t speak highly enough of him. I’ve said it many times over the years but we miss his laugh, he had an infectious personality,” said Howe.
You always knew when Callum was around because he was bubbly, jokey, but he obviously knew the right time to be focused on his work - he was very serious about his profession and scoring goals. We wish him well, we hope he goes on and scores a lot more goals and enjoys the next stage of his career.
“Unfortunately that won’t be with us anymore but he’ll always be in our thoughts.”