Eddie Howe says Newcastle need to identify and sign players before they become world stars – and insists they won’t be in the market for Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
That pair has been linked again in recent days with a move to St James’ Park, on the assumption Saudi-backed owners want a big arrival.
But that’s not true and the club’s transfer model has so far proven Europe’s envy of the likes of Bruno Guimaraes (£36m), Sven Botman (£32m) and Alexander Isak (£60m) for what, at on closer inspection, may be bargain prices.
Howe says that remains the strategy, especially since spending rules don’t allow anything else.
“It’s best to discover players before they explode on the world stage,” he said. “We couldn’t get close to offering those players (Neymar and Ronaldo) as they are the best players in the world.
Eddie Howe suggested Newcastle would like to sign unknown talents before they hit the world stage
Brazilian striker Neymar has been regularly linked with a departure from Ligue 1 titans PSG
Reports suggest Cristiano Ronaldo is on track to leave Al-Nassr after joining this season
“We will never be able to pay those transfer fees and wages at this point. We have to go under and find them young and develop them into the players they can be.’
It is said Howe wouldn’t want players of that profile anyway, at least not at this stage in the club’s journey.
He added: “That sort of speculation has actually been there from day one since the takeover. Of course everyone then assumed that the biggest names in world football would go to Newcastle.
“That’s not how we recruited. We are not financially able to recruit that way at the moment. But we also have to get the right people and the right players in the group.
“The transfer market is such a complex decision, you can’t just pick a name and bring them in. There’s a lot of thought that needs to be put into what we’re doing, both financially and looking at the players.
“I know where I want to go with the team and what we can and can’t do in the transfer market. Those two players are incredible players. We are associated with many different names. Many of the names won’t be right.’
Meanwhile, Howe says defender Paul Dummett has a good chance of landing a new contract despite only appearing in one game this season. The 31-year-old qualifies as a club-trained player and as four are needed for a Champions League squad, that’s a consideration.
Howe said, “Paul has been really good. In terms of fitness, it’s the best I’ve seen him, he hasn’t missed a day in a long time. I think every player benefits from that consistency.
‘He’s a very good player, Paul. The great thing about him is that he can play a few positions for us, left back or central defender. It’s great to have a player with that experience and skill.
Newcastle has recently invested heavily in Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, among others
Lionel Messi could command £320m annual package – £15m more than Amanda Stavely and co paid for Newcastle
“Yes, he hasn’t had the chance to get into the team because of the consistency of other players, but he’s someone we value very much as a player, person and professional.”
Dummett is out of contract in June – can he stay?
“Very bad,” Howe said. “I see Paul as part of our future. When you build a team, you can never play against everyone for as long as they want. So you need players who are willing to fight for their place, train well and have an effect on the group.
“Matt Ritchie, Paul Dummett, they are players who have not performed for the outside world, but internally they have been excellent for us.”