Eddie Howe vs Paul Mitchell is not a match that Newcastle United fans want to see.
However, there has been tension behind the scenes at St James’ Park between the Newcastle United manager and sporting director.
It has been an uncomfortable situation. Eddie Howe spoke about wanting control at the start of the summer, while Paul Mitchell rallied against the Magpies’ failed summer transfer window. He deflected the blame away from himself, as he ruffled feathers immediately after his arrival at Newcastle United.
It became a bit of a soap opera – the type you would associate with Newcastle United teams from the past.
But the hope now is that the issues are dissipating, with Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell holding clear the air talks in the aftermath of the transfer window. They need to be on the same page, otherwise it could have disastrous implications for the club.
The latest on Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell’s relationship at Newcastle
PIF are desperate for the Howe and Mitchell relationship to work, and they could be getting their wish.
It has been reported by the Northern Echo that ‘senior club sources’ at Newcastle believe that Howe and Mitchell have now established a relationship that will allow them to effectively work together.
They add that Newcastle United have held ‘high-level’ meetings regarding recruitment during the international break, with Eddie Howe heavily involved in those discussions.
That is great to hear, as it needs to be a collaborative effort. Howe needs to detail the type of players he wants, as he knows best what his team requires. And with Mitchell’s reputation in the recruitment world, they should dovetail pretty well now that the teething issues appear to be out the way.
Newcastle United preparing for January
Newcastle are putting plans in place for January, which could be another difficult month.
The Magpies do have financial room to manoeuvre, after a rather limited summer in terms of spending. Newcastle did not break the bank, with major deals for the likes of Marc Guehi and Anthony Elanga collapsing.
While that was a blow, it should give Newcastle more capacity to spend in early 2025. However, the January transfer window is a notoriously difficult one, with clubs often struggling to find value.
But Paul Mitchell will make a major signing if the right player is available, and that will likely be Howe’s stance too. He has never panicked in the transfer window since his arrival at Newcastle, with recruitment being one of his biggest strengths. In that respect, it is understandable why Mitchell’s criticism of Newcastle’s recruitment did not go down well.
In terms of January, Newcastle’s priority will be a right winger.
Newcastle could also make a fresh move for Marc Guehi, but the need for a centre-back could be reduced if Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are fully fit by the time the January transfer window opens.
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