EDDIE HOWE REMAINS "100% COMMITTED" DESPITE CEO HOPKINSON’S CRYPTIC "FUTURE TALK" COMMENTS
Howe reveals "no falling out" with Newcastle board. Get the latest on injury updates and the Crystal Palace clash.
Eddie Howe didn’t dodge the topic of his future at Newcastle United after CEO David Hopkinson’s recent comments. Hopkinson spoke up after Newcastle’s loss to Sunderland, saying they don’t plan to make a change “at the moment,” but left things a little open-ended with, “we’ll talk about the future when it’s time.”
How’s the answer? He’s all in. “Nothing’s changed for me, I’m 100% committed to the job,” he told the press ahead of their match against Crystal Palace. “That’s never wavered. I worked right through the break to get us ready, and I want us coming back stronger.”
He didn’t get too deep into what might happen next season or beyond, just like Hopkinson, really. Instead, Howe focused on what’s left of this campaign. “It’s tough to look too far ahead these days. I’m just focused on these last seven games. We want to play at our best and finish the season strong,” he said.
He pointed out that the year had been a whirlwind. “Honestly, we hadn’t trained with a full squad of 20 players since August. That’s a first for me. However, we now have the numbers back in training, and the sessions have been refreshing. I’ve really enjoyed it.”
As for the mood behind the scenes, Howe says everything’s steady between him and the club’s leadership, despite a slightly different tone from Hopkinson lately compared to earlier in the year. “There’s no falling out. I’ve got a really good relationship with Ross [Wilson] and David,” he explained. “We’re all planning how to move Newcastle forward, making smart decisions together.”
He still feels well supported. “They’re the main people I work with every day, and we’re on the same page about what the club needs to do. The future looks strong for Newcastle. Honestly, we’re probably ahead of where most people expected us to be, even with the bumps we’ve hit recently. We need to be smart, get the most out of our budget, and keep pushing to hit the goals everyone’s set for us.”
When asked what he needs from the club, Howe kept it simple: support and good working relationships. “I want to be able to show the best version of myself as a manager. If I feel that and the club feels that, they get the best from me.”
He made one thing clear above all: the club comes first. “If, for any reason, it’s not working for either side, then what matters most is Newcastle United. Not me or anyone else. That’s always at the heart of any decision I make.”
MAGPIES EYE £1M BARGAIN TIAGO GABRIEL TO SOLVE GROWING DEFENSIVE INJURY CRISIS
Newcastle are leading the race against Juventus for Tiago Gabriel, the 21-year-old Serie A defensive sensation.
Newcastle United appear to be keeping an eye on Lecce’s young defender Tiago Gabriel as they consider potential options for the summer transfer window.
With Fabian Schar’s contract due to expire at the end of June, the Magpies are preparing for the possibility of his departure. Although an extension is still on the table, Schar has been sidelined since early January because of an ankle injury and doesn't seem close to making a comeback.
At 21, Gabriel has featured 36 times across all competitions this season for Lecce, who are currently four points clear of the Serie A relegation zone. Newcastle’s recruitment team is among those following his development, seemingly interested in exploring a move once the transfer window opens.
Back in December, reports surfaced that both West Ham and Juventus were also tracking Gabriel’s progress. The young defender, who came through Sporting CP’s academy, has had a strong season and will enter the final year of his contract this summer.
Gabriel transferred to Lecce last January for slightly over £1 million, moving from Portuguese club Estrela Amadora. Should he leave this summer, a significantly higher fee might be expected, reflecting his rise in form.
Before joining Estrela Amadora, Gabriel had been part of Setúbal's academy after leaving Sporting in 2020. His performances have earned him regular appearances for Portugal’s Under-21 side, and senior international opportunities may not be far off.
A switch to the Premier League could potentially boost his profile substantially, but he will likely weigh his options with some care.
According to O Jogo, Newcastle continue to monitor his situation keenly as interest around the defender grows.
Regarding Fabian Schar’s future, things remain uncertain even with just weeks left on his current deal. While Kieran Trippier has been publicly confirmed to be leaving upon contract expiration, no similar announcement has come for Schar.
Last week, Howe commented on the defender’s status, noting that no definitive decision has been made yet. He emphasised Schar’s value to the team, pointing out his unique role as a ball-playing defender and his versatility in various defensive setups.
Schar’s influence on the pitch and experience are clearly appreciated, and the club hopes he can regain full fitness before the season concludes. As for any new contract talks, Howe suggested it’s a matter of waiting to see how things unfold.
BEN JACOBS EXPOSES NEWCASTLE’S SHOCK TRANSFER MASTERPLAN TO SIGN STRIKER LIAM DELAP
Chelsea fringe star Liam Delap is wanted at St James' Park. Read why a move for teammate Nicolas Jackson has been ruled out.
All the talk around Newcastle United as the summer transfer window approaches seems to be about players leaving, at least for now.
Tino Livramento looks set to move on once the window opens. He’s got only two years left on his contract, so it’s probably the best moment for Newcastle to cash in.
And it doesn’t stop there. This summer could see a lot of big names heading out. Sources at StadiumNest say Anthony Gordon wants to check out his options elsewhere, and there’s plenty of chatter about Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Nick Woltemade, too.
So, who’s coming in? Eddie Howe will need to bring in reinforcements if a bunch of players head out, and one name floating around is Liam Delap from Chelsea.
Ben Jacobs mentioned, “Chelsea will have outgoings, and Liam Delap could be one. From what I hear, Delap wants to stay and fight for his place, even though Joao Pedro is nailed down as their main striker. He’s probably waiting to see who the new manager is. But Newcastle definitely have an interest in him; they’ll be looking for another striker this summer.”
Jacobs also made it clear that Newcastle’s not likely to go after Nicolas Jackson. “Jackson’s coming back to Chelsea, and the buy option was never realistic for Bayern. So the links to Newcastle for Jackson aren’t really accurate. If they do turn to Chelsea, Delap is the more likely target.”
And Newcastle doesn’t necessarily have to sell Woltemade or Wissa before bringing in Delap.
They’re planning a big squad overhaul. Jacobs added: “Newcastle are going to be really active; it’s not some mass exodus, but there will be some big departures. They might lose one or even two stars, and it’s not just about balancing the books.
The club’s thinking is simple: they want to add at least one more. Maybe a striker leaves St James’ Park, but it’s not like Woltemade has to go before they sign another. Instead, two major players could leave, and they might not even be strikers. That’ll free up funds for a big squad revamp, and finding another goalscorer is a top priority.”
