Eddie Howe has urged “caution” on suggestions we’ll sell Callum Wilson and sign another striker this summer, insisting any quality replacement will cost the club “an awful lot of money.”
The boss has also discussed our current plans for Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh, confirming he’ll come back for pre-season to be assessed before we decide on his next steps following an impressive loan spell at Feyenoord.
Howe also hinted at a loan move for 19-year-old defender Alex Murphy. The Mail’s Craig Hope reports that a temporary move is on the cards for the impressive Irishman, who is clearly rated highly by Howe based on his latest comments and the new long-term deal signed this week.
Howe on Callum Wilson and signing a new striker – “Of course (availability) forms part of your planning (regarding Wilson’s future), it would be foolish for me to say otherwise. Anthony Gordon can play as a striker, but you lose him from his winger position.
“We need a squad that can deal with all types of absentees and problems, which you’re going to get during a season. That is what we’ll try to build. But all I’ll say on that, and I’ll urge the word “caution”, is that to sign strikers of the ability to score goals in the Premier League would cost you an awful lot of money.
“I have to get the balance right between doing that and exposing ourselves in other areas, where the money might need to go.”
He makes a fair point – proven goal scorers won’t come cheap and could take a big chunk out of our summer budget – but the club will also be mindful of his injury record, the fact he’s 32 and entering the final 12 months of his contract.
Howe on Yankuba Minteh – “The plan, at the moment, is he will come back to us in pre-season and we’ll take it from there.”
Howe on Alex Murphy – “I’ve been really pleased with his progress this year. He’s really improved. He can play left-back, can play centre-back, he’s athletic, very composed…
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/05/15/howes-transfer-warning-yankuba-minteh-plan-and-top-youngster-set-for-loan-move/
Author : Olly Hawkins
Publish date : 2024-05-15 10:32:31
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