Eddie Howe subtly praises Newcastle United’s ‘dream’ January signing as transfer window looms

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He may not have meant to, but Eddie Howe has just subtly praised Newcastle United’s dream January signing.

The Newcastle United manager has spoken ahead of his side’s game against Brentford, with Eddie Howe confirming that Sven Botman is back in full training. Elsewhere, Howe praised Newcastle’s midfield three for how they performed against Liverpool.

He then turned his attention to Saturday’s opponents, as Newcastle prepare to travel to the capital to face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Ahead of the game, Thomas Frank was very complimentary about Newcastle, and now Howe has returned the favour.

Eddie Howe compliments Brentford after Ivan Toney exit

The Toon boss spoke to the media on Friday morning, and was asked about Brentford’s evolution as a side following the departure of Ivan Toney. He was sold during the summer, joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

“The game never stops, and you can’t get fixated with believing one player makes the team,” he said.

“It’s never that clearcut. Sometimes to evolve the team you have to lose a player and then you can bring a different dynamic to the side.

“They’ve done that really well. Their recruitment has always historically been very strong. I think that has continued to be the case.

“They’re a different team without Ivan [Toney] in it, but they’re still, you can see with the goals they’re scoring, a very effective team. They’ve got a lot of pace in the front areas, certainly a lot for us to try and control.”

Newcastle want to sign one of Brentford’s attacking stars

While Eddie Howe was just making a general point Brentford’s attack, he has inadvertently praised a player who the Magpies have been linked with signing during the January transfer window.

It has been reported that Bryan Mbeumo is Newcastle’s ‘dream’ signing, as the Magpies aim to add a new right winger to their squad.

Mbeumo would be an outstanding addition, and he certainly has the ability to slot in alongside Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak. As Howe says, Brentford have a lot of pace in attack, and Mbeumo is an example of that.

However, it might be difficult to bring him to St James’ Park when 2025 arrives. Newcastle know that Mbeumo will be expensive, while his asking price will only rise if he shines against the Magpies on Saturday.

It will be Mbeumo’s seventh appearance versus Newcastle United, with the 25-year-old yet to win, score or assist against the Magpies.