Several players that Eddie Howe is familiar with at AFC Bournemouth have been linked to transfers to Newcastle United.
Howe paid a total of £47 million to sign Lloyd Kelly, Philip Billing, and Dominic Solanke for Bournemouth. In the Premier League, all three players have gone on to establish themselves.
All three players are reportedly of interest to Newcastle, with Kelly and Billing in particular perhaps available this summer on cheap contracts. Billing is purportedly available for just £15 million, while Kelly is out of contract and may be available on a free move.
Additionally, Solanke and Kelly are expected to start for Andoni Iraola‘s team as Newcastle gets ready to meet Bournemouth in the Premier League at St. James’ Park this Saturday (3pm kickoff), with Billing sitting out the game due to suspension.
In response to the links, Howe expressed his appreciation for the players while raising doubts about any trades by speculating about whether they would be a good fit for his team.
“I have to be careful with my answer because we are playing them,” stated Howe. “Because I previously signed them, they are players I admire.” They are excellent players in my opinion; whether Newcastle would be a good match for them is another story.”
For The Cherries this season, Solanke in particular has impressed. Under Howe, the striker had trouble at first, but this season he has thrived, with only Mohamed Salah and Engel Haaland having scored more goals in the Premier League than him.
“I’m pleased for him on an individual level because he had a tough start to his career at Bournemouth and had to be patient before he got his opportunities,” Howe stated on Solanke. “There was never any doubting his qualities and his talent so it’s no surprise to me that he’s doing so well and he’s right up there in terms of the leading goalscorer charts this season and has every chance of representing his country in the summer as well.”
Furthermore, Solanke’s chances of making England’s Euro 2024 team have increased since Callum Wilson of Newcastle is expected to remain out until the very end of the campaign.
“I think Callum’s injury has a part in Dominic’s view for England,” said Howe. “He can definitely play international football, in my opinion. This year, I’ve watched him, and each time, he’s impressed me.
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