The Howe comment that made Al-Rumayyan green light Newcastle summer spend

A recent comment from Eddie Howe made in a meeting with Yasir Al-Rumayyan has now made the Newcastle United chairman and board ready to spend big this summer, according to a new report.

Newcastle chasing new centre-back and forwards

The Magpies are firmly in the fight to finish in the top four this season, and returning to Europe’s biggest club competition could mean Newcastle have more money to spend and a better ability to attract top players in the transfer market this summer.

Despite still having a lot to play for this season, plans have already started for the summer, with Howe keen on adding in numerous positions to his squad. One position they want to strengthen is defence, and they have been linked with a move for former Chelsea man Kalidou Koulibaly – PIF are said to be considering using their Saudi Arabia links to their advantage.

As well as a defender, the Magpies are also looking at adding to their forward line. It was reported last week that Newcastle have joined the race to sign Tammy Abraham from Roma. The striker is currently on loan at AC Milan but has failed to earn a regular starting role. As a result, he could soon be leaving Italy, and the Magpies are among the Premier League teams interested in a possible deal.

But Abraham is not the only forward that is on their radar, as according to TEAMtalk, Newcastle are considering a move to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta. Paul Mitchell has sent officials to keep a close eye on the player, with the Italian side open to doing business for around £54 million. However, the Magpies face competition to secure Lookman’s signature, as Manchester United are also interested in a deal.

Howe pushes Newcastle board to green-light spending

The Magpies may not need to choose between Abraham or Lookman, as according to The Chronicle, Howe and Newcastle have been given the go-ahead by PIF to spend big in the summer transfer window.

The report states that Howe spoke to Al-Rumayyan, Mitchell, and CEO Darren Eales this week to discuss plans for the summer. Howe raised concerns about the current Newcastle squad, stating it had gone “stale”, and that has led to a green light to spend money this summer.

It is unclear how much Howe will be given to spend, but some observations have been made that he could get between £80-100 million, though that number would presumably rise with any sales.

The Magpies have players such as Matt Targett, Jamaal Lascelles and Callum Wilson coming to the end of their contracts, meaning they will need to be replaced first of all, and Miguel Almirón’s exit leaves the right-hand side of attack short, with Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz

With the centre-back, right-wing and striker positions all in need of additional youth, depth and quality, Howe being given the permission to spend big this summer – with the possibilty of elite European football to offer as well – will lead to an exciting window for Magpies fans.