Newcastle wasted a golden chance to sign Eddie Howe a goalkeeper in January by eying a transfer for Manchester United’s Dean Henderson over Borussia Dortmund’s Roman Burki.
That’s according to the Manchester Evening News, who noted last weekend that the Toon shortlisted Henderson for a last-ditch swoop. Howe had seen enough from his squad since replacing Steve Bruce at St James’ Park to want a new shot-stopper.
Howe feels Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman – who Bournemouth now have on loan – are below the standard needed to keep the Magpies in the Premier League. Between them, the Tyneside outfit have conceded 43 goals in 21 games.
Henderson also wanted to leave Old Trafford on loan before the market slammed shut on Monday. The England international has grown frustrated with his lack of action so far this season. He has only played once in the Carabao Cup and Champions League.
However, Manchester United said no to his request for a temporary exit. The Manchester Evening News added on deadline day that the Red Devils hierarchy rebuffed an approach from Watford so as not to deprive Ralf Rangnick of David de Gea’s understudy.
Newcastle wasted late chance at transfer with Henderson pursuit
But Newcastle always faced a fight to convince Manchester United to discuss Henderson’s transfer, regardless of them losing depth. Reports by the Manchester Evening News of the Toon’s pursuit of Jesse Lingard show the Red Devils’ reluctance to do business.
The Old Trafford hierarchy demanded survival bonuses in negotiations before putting an end to all talks. And if Manchester United felt Lingard could save Newcastle from relegation, letting Henderson improve a position where individual brilliance is key would cost more.
So, exploring an avenue to sign Henderson from Manchester United likely cost Newcastle a chance at securing Howe’s goalkeeper transfer with one who was actually on the market.
Newcastle blew golden chance to sign Burki from Borussia Dortmund
Newcastle had a golden chance to hand Howe his new goalkeeper with a transfer for Burki of Borussia Dortmund. Kicker reported the Swiss shot-stopper held deadline day talks with Lorient over a loan. But a move to Ligue 1 collapsed, leaving him as BVB’s third-choice.
Additionally, Sky Germany reported a deal fell through, despite both clubs agreeing on the terms of his move to France. Lorient failed to sign Burki as the 31-year-old felt their interest was too short-term, while also offering less than the €5m-a-year (£80k-a/w) wage wanted.
Dortmund were open to Burki’s exit in order to remove his wage from their books given he is the third-choice. The goalkeeper – who Lucien Favre called ‘unbelievable’ – is yet to play to play at all so far this season, while his contract runs to 2023.
So, the door was wide open for Newcastle to swoop and hand Howe a new goalkeeper. But they wasted a golden chance with their efforts to loan Henderson from Manchester United.
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