8 signings that debunk Eddie Howe transfer myth amid Newcastle talk

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Soon-to-be Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe doesn’t have a great reputation in the transfer market.

Particularly in the final few years of his Bournemouth tenure, the 43-year-old wasted large amounts of money on players who massively failed to deliver.

In July 2016, Bournemouth spent £15million on Jordon Ibe. Despite initially being billed as the next Raheem Sterling, Ibe is now without a club after leaving Derby over the summer.

In January 2019, Bournemouth spent £19million on Dominic Solanke, despite the striker only having one Premier League goal at the time. It’s only now that Solanke is starting to perform, with the Cherries in the Championship.

These signings aren’t a good reflection of Howe, especially as he prepares to become the manager of the richest club in the world.

However, they don’t tell the full story. While Howe has wasted money on the likes of Ibe and Solanke, he’s also secured some sensational signings during his managerial career.

Eddie Howe signed some real gems for Burnley and Bournemouth

Shortly after joining Burnley in January 2011, Howe signed Charlie Austin from Swindon. The striker was excellent for the Clarets, and went on to have a decent Premier League career.

Howe also signed Ben Mee and Kieran Trippier during his time at Burnley. The former is now captain at Turf Moor, and the latter is an England international playing in the Champions League for Atletico Madrid.

The fourth super signing Howe made at Burnley was Danny Ings. He arrived from Bournemouth for just £1million, and has gone on to play for Liverpool, Southampton and now Aston Villa. His last two transfers have cost a combined £45million.

In October 2012, Howe returned to Bournemouth, and the smart signings continued.

The 2013 January transfer window was his first back with the Cherries, and he would sign Ryan Fraser and Matt Ritchie for just £400,000 and £500,000 respectively.

In 2014, Howe brought Callum Wilson to Bournemouth from Coventry for £3million. He would then score 20 goals in his first season in the Championship.

After winning promotion to the Premier League, the transfer fees began to increase. But his most successful major addition was Nathan Ake. The Dutchman cost £20million from Chelsea, but was a worthwhile investment.

While Howe has had some blips in the transfer window, there have been plenty of gems too. Hopefully the club appoint a sporting director soon, and the pair can work on who they are going to bring in when the transfer window swings open in 2022.