“He feels good, he wanted to play longer tonight so that’s a really good sign. He’s a professional guy, he’s been looking after himself but there is no substitute for training or being with the players so I’m confident he’ll be ready for next week.”
Howe issues new transfer message and Gordon update after 4-0 win over Girona
by Olly Hawkins · 10 August 2024, 07:40
Eddie Howe admitted the transfer window is "picking up now" when speaking to the press after our 4-0 win over Girona last night, confirming we are hoping to "add at least one player to the group."
Newcastle are hoping to bring in a right-footed centre-back and remain in talks to sign Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, with a right-winger also wanted. However, Howe has warned that it's 'quality over quantity' and only wants to sign players who can 'make us better' and 'push the group the new levels.'
When asked about transfers by Sky Sports' Keith Downie, Howe said: “The transfer window is picking up now. We are hoping to add at least one player to the group. But it has to be about quality rather than quantity.
"If you’re going to add players they have to push the group to new levels. That’s what we are looking for — which is very difficult to find. There’s not many players that will make us better.”
Howe also hailed our first half display in the 4-0 win over Girona, saying: "Very good. Really pleased with the energy, the intensity in our play. Everything in that first half hour was really top draw. In Japan, the humidity was incredible so it was a good opportunity today to show our true selves."
Asked about Anthony Gordon's withdrawal at half-time, Howe added: “Yeah that was the plan, play 45 minutes. I thought he looked good today. Of course he’s behind the other players, he had to have a mental break after the Euros after a very long season for him. But today was important. Great to see him score, I thought he played very well and we’ll build his training load up again next week.
