As of this moment, Newcastle United fans will feel deflated at their club’s lack of business in the summer transfer market.
Newcastle want to sign Marc Guehi and he is the man on everyone’s lips up in the north east, with the centre-back playing and captaining Crystal Palace at the weekend.
But the possible arrival or failure to land Guehi might be overshadowed by a player already at Newcastle.
When the Saudi-led ownership first replaced Mike Ashley, they didn’t waste any time and signed some top players during the January transfer window.
Bruno Guimaraes, who is now the captain, was one of them and he became a firm fan favourite for his performances in the middle of the pitch.
But the man who he replaced as skipper is Kieran Trippier – another player who arrived after the Saudi-led ownership.
But Trippier has been linked to Everton and there are suggestions that he could head for the exit door before Friday’s transfer deadline.
Perry Groves thinks the ‘writing is on the wall’ with the 33-year-old and he will leave, whether it’s to Goodison Park or elsewhere, as he told talkSPORT (25/08/24 at 2:00 pm).
Trippier has played 32 minutes from his side’s opening two Premier League matches and it seems as though his role under Howe is going to be reduced.
Kieran Trippier backed to leave Newcastle
“When you look on the bench, you have got Kieran Trippier who can play right-back and left-back,” said Groves. “Matty Targett a left-back. Lewis Hall a left-back.
“So, I think the writing is on the wall. I don’t think he is going to be there. He looks at that and thinks ‘I am not going to get enough minutes’.
Crucial days ahead for Newcastle
Newcastle finished seventh last term, but they still didn’t book a place in Europe because eighth-placed Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
That doesn’t help matter and these next few days – and the first few months of the season – are crucial as to what happens going forward for the club as a whole.
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Howe has been linked to England and there have also been changes to the boardroom.
If Howe is backed and he gets who he wants, then you can’t see him leaving, but if he doesn’t, then you do worry.
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