Eddie Howe has praised Federico Fernandez for what the defender had offered Newcastle United, having let the Argentine sign for Elche CF in a late permanent deadline day swoop.
Eddie Howe admits Newcastle let ‘incredible’ star leave in Federico Fernandez
Elche CF completed the permanent signing of Federico Fernandez on deadline day, ending his four-year spell at Newcastle United. And Toon boss Eddie Howe has admitted he let an ‘incredible’ player leave St James’ Park after he struggled to get game time, via BBC Sport.
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The Magpies bought Fernandez from Swansea City back in 2018 for £6m with just hours of the window remaining. Yet he would lose a starting role in Rafa Benitez’s team at the turn of the year, before becoming an instrumental presence through Steve Bruce’s time in charge.
Howe’s arrival at the St James’ Park helm in November 2021 effectively marked the end of Fernandez’s Tyneside career. After starting at home to Norwich City on November 30, the 33-year-old enjoyed a brief five-minute cameo against Burnley before never playing again.
Fernandez would feature in just eight further top-flight squads, and not one of Newcastle’s first five this season. He endured a frustrating summer after sustaining an injury, following a wealth of fitness problems during the first-half of 2022 from a thigh gripe to a side strain.
Elche overcame late Stoke City interest to sign former Swansea City star
Chances of Fernandez occupying a greater presence in Howe’s defence this season took a further hit with Newcastle signing Sven Botman from LOSC Lille for £35m in July. The Toon had also added Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion during the January sales for £13m.
So, Newcastle let Fernandez secure a transfer, and he has signed for La Liga side Elche in a permanent swoop. Los Franjiverdes overcame late competition from Stoke City to agree a deal, after The Guardian cited interest from the Championship side in a last-gasp loan deal.
Howe has no doubt that Elche have signed a top-draw player from what he saw Fernandez offer Newcastle off the pitch. But a lack of minutes on the pitch meant a deal was possible.
“What an incredible professional,” Howe enthused. “A great guy, and I can’t speak highly enough of him and his contribution. Unfortunately for us, he picked up a couple of injuries, so we didn’t see a lot of him on the pitch. But behind the scenes he was incredible.”
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