NEWCASTLE: Eddie Howe is preparing to wield his Newcastle United axe with a number of key first-team stars at risk of the chop.
Arab News understands that Howe and United will listen to offers for the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Miguel Almiron as they look to transform a bottom-half club into one challenging around the Premier League European spots.
Shelvey and Almiron registered 63 appearances for the Magpies in all competitions last season, proving themselves key operators for Newcastle in 2021/22. However, head coach Howe is looking to freshen things up in central midfield and out wide — and with games likely to be limited for Shelvey, as well as Almiron being one of Newcastle’s more saleable assets, both could leave in the summer transfer window.
Former England international Shelvey has been at the club since January 2016 and is one of the longest-serving players in the squad, while when Paraguayan attacker Almiron was signed back from Atlanta United in 2019, the deal broke United’s long-standing transfer record, which had stood since 2005 when Michael Owen put pen to paper on Tyneside.
Prior to that, Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer was the club’s most expensive buy at $18.9 million — a then world transfer record in 1996 — and since then United have shelled out more for Callum Wilson, Chris Wood, Joelinton, and Bruno Guimaraes.
On outgoings this summer, Howe knows he will have to make some tough calls to progress his United side in a summer being touted as one of evolution not revolution.
He said: “There’s some difficult decisions to make and naturally, when you look at the squad, we are top heavy. We have a lot of players, players who missed out on the 25.
“As I said before we’ll make decisions on every individual, we’ll try to do it in the right way,” he added.
Should Almiron and Shelvey leave they will not be alone, as Howe looks to free up wriggle room in his squad — and the club’s Financial Fair Play boundaries.
Players left out of the 25-man Premier League squad, such as Jeff Hendrick, Isaac Hayden, and Freddie Woodman will all be allowed to leave.
Central defender Ciaran Clark is understood to be close to agreeing a move to the Championship, with West Bromwich Albion — managed by former United coach Steve Bruce — favorites.
Jamal Lewis, recently returned from an operation, may be given another chance to prove his worth.
From within the 25, Dwight Gayle, Federico Fernandez, Matt Ritchie, and Karl Darlow, who has been eyed by Middlesbrough, could all see their time at St. James’ Park come to an end.
Ritchie was handed what appeared to be a farewell appearance on the final day of the season — and Howe has gone on record to state how big an impact the wide man has had on United, despite his lack of time on the pitch.
He said: “It has been massive. He left a team like Bournemouth to come to a team in the Championship. His contribution in the Premier League has been immense.
“Just this season, what he has given the group, even though he hasn’t played much, behind the scenes he has been an unbelievable professional, a big voice in the dressing room. He has helped unite people and has played a big part.”
