The trip to Germany is not just about training, as Eddie Howe prepares to talk transfers with Newcastle United’s new sporting director.
The Magpies are currently at Adidas HQ as they continue their pre-season preparations, with a lot of the Newcastle United hierarchy heading overseas with the squad.
Co-owner Jamie Reuben has been pictured in Germany, as have chief executive officer Darren Eales and chief commercial officer Peter Silverstone. Their responsibility lies off the pitch, while sporting director Paul Mitchell is the bridge between them and the actual football.
Mitchell has recently arrived as Dan Ashworth’s replacement, and is tasked with enhancing Eddie Howe’s squad ahead of the new season. In fact, Howe wants Mitchell to make two signings before Newcastle head off to Japan at the end of July.
Time is of the essence for Mitchell, with Newcastle set to hold recruitment meetings while they are in Germany this week.
Eddie Howe to argue why Newcastle United should keep Callum Wilson
It will not just be about new signings. Toon officials will also discuss who could be sold, with Callum Wilson‘s future set to be debated.
And it could prove to be exactly that, with the Northern Echo reporting that Howe is still of the belief that Newcastle should not sell Wilson this summer.
The 32-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away, as he enters the final year of his Toon contract. When you combine his age and contract situation with his injury record, it is understandable why Newcastle are considering letting Wilson go.
However, Howe feels differently, with the Northern Echo stating that the Newcastle boss will argue his case during transfer meetings this week.
They add that Howe still views Wilson, who cost £20million in 2020, as one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and is eager to retain him as support for Alexander Isak.
Paul Mitchell’s decision could depend on the alternative
Ultimately, the decision will likely rest with Mitchell. When he was appointed sporting director, it was reported that Mitchell will have more control over Newcastle’s transfer business than Ashworth did.
While Howe will give his opinion, it will be up to Mitchell decide what the best approach is.
He may well agree with Howe, but it will probably depend on how easy it will be for the club to bring in a replacement. If it is going to be far too costly to get someone who is as good or has the potential to be as good as Wilson then you have to assume that the number nine will remain at St James’ Park.
But Mitchell will also have to look at it from a business perspective. While Newcastle are not under pressure to sell anymore, there will be a desire to raise funds through player trading. As well as Wilson, the likes of Miguel Almiron, Kieran Trippier and Martin Dubravka have all been linked with moves away.
If someone like Almiron goes, it might be easier for Newcastle to retain Wilson from a financial perspective.
It is a difficult decision to make, and whatever Mitchell decides will likely upset someone at Newcastle United. But for football reasons, Howe is very keen for Wilson to continue his career at St James’ Park.
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