When completing a £15 million move from Huddersfield Town to AFC Bournemouth in the summer of 2019, Philip Billing admitted that the chance to work with one of the Premier League’s most exciting young tacticians played a major role in his decision to swap West Yorkshire for the South Coast.
“It was an easy decision to make to come into a squad which is full of talented, international players and working with a manager of Eddie Howe’s quality,” the Denmark international told the Cherries’ official website.
“It was first and foremost the head coach Eddie Howe, who attracted me,” Billing would add a few months later, via TipsBladet. “I had other offers, but I heard many good things about Howe, the way he develops young players.
“When Bournemouth came (for me), I made the choice very quickly because of Howe.”
With 90Min reporting that Newcastle United have made an enquiry about Billing’s availability ahead of the January transfer window, Howe’s cherub-cheeked charm could once again have a big part to play.
“Philip’s an outstanding athlete,” Howe told Sky of Billing during their time together at the Vitality Stadium. “You just have to look at him to know that physically he will bring a lot to the team.
“Technically he is very good, a good ball-playing centre midfield player with good energy. He’s got a real mix of qualities that I think will make us stronger.”
Interestingly, it is only since Howe’s departure – and Bournemouth’s relegation from the Premier League – that Billing has added another string to his already well-stocked bow.
The 25-year-old had only ever scored nine career goals prior to the 2020/21 season.
In the last season-and-a-half, however, he’s found the net 16 times, making perfectly-timed runs into the penalty area something of a personal trademark.
Given that the central midfielders at Howe’s disposal have scored just four goals between them this season, Billing could potentially add a completely new dimension to a Newcastle side in real danger of going the same way as Howe’s Bournemouth did 18 months ago.
According to reports, Howe is also keen to reunite with Steve Cook, Jefferson Lerma, Nathan Ake and Lloyd Kelly at St James’ Park.
But with Bournemouth looking to secure a return to the top-flight at the second time of asking, Howe has a challenge on his hands.
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