Eddie Howe is once again looking to be reunited with one of his former players as Newcastle United are linked with signing Dominic Solanke.
The Bournemouth forward was a target for Newcastle back in 2022 during the first transfer window after the takeover, and now he is one the Magpies’ radar once again.
It was reported on Wednesday by the Telegraph that Newcastle have enquired about signing Solanke, as they look to add another attacker to their squad during the January transfer window.
The report states that Newcastle’s advances have been turned down, with Bournemouth not interested in letting the 26-year-old leave the Vitality Stadium this month.
Whether or not this is the end of Newcastle’s interest in Solanke remains to be seen, but he is certainly a player who Eddie Howe admires.
That was clear the moment he brought him to Bournemouth for £19million, and his comments after his arrival are now even more interesting as Newcastle make their move.
What Eddie Howe previously said about Newcastle target Dominic Solanke
Bournemouth signed Solanke from Liverpool back in January 2019. This was midway through Howe’s penultimate season as Bournemouth manager.
They invested heavily in the striker, and Howe delivered a glowing review to Bournemouth’s official website after his arrival was announced.
“Dominic is technically gifted, very athletic and has the physical profile that will give us something different in our front line,” he said.
“He has done very well for England at various age groups, has a huge amount of potential and I’m really excited about working with him.”
Solanke is starting to realise that potential at the age of 26
Howe brought Solanke to Bournemouth because he believed he had a lot of potential. That certainly was the case given the reputation he had built for himself at Chelsea, but it initially looked like a massive transfer blunder.
It is only in the past few seasons that Solanke has really started to realise that potential. He netted 29 goals as Bournemouth won promotion back to the Premier League, and he is now scoring goals on a regular basis in the top flight.
After only managing six last year, Solanke has already doubled that tally during the current campaign. He is the league’s third top scorer, so far boasting 12 Premier League goals. It is his best ever season in the top flight of English football.
This is the potential that Howe was talking about, and now he wants to truly benefit from it.
But it will come at a price. If Bournemouth do decide to let Solanke go, there is no way he will be cheap. That could make or break Newcastle’s move, during a month when money is tight due to profit and sustainability rules.
And if Newcastle do splash out, there will be a few eyebrows raised by fans, as many believe that a club that was recently in the Champions League should be setting their sights higher than a man who may just be enjoying a purple patch in front of goal.
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