Rio Ferdinand baffled by Newcastle question after Eddie Howe's transfer admission

Daily Mirror

4 days ago

Newcastle United have seen a number of players turn down moves to the club this summer, and Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand cannot understand why the club have been snubbed so often
Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand is confused over why so many targets have rejected offers from Newcastle United this summer. The current window has been a relentless headache for Magpies manager Eddie Howe.
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As if the drama surrounding Alexander Isak's wish to join Liverpool wasn't taxing enough, a host of transfer targets have spurned the club in favour of others. Players such as Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and, perhaps most heartbreakingly, Benjamin Sesko have all turned down moves to St James' Park.
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Given that the Magpies are currently competing in the Champions League and won the Carabao Cup last season, their recruitment team must be left wondering. Ferdinand is another high-profile figure who can't fathom why so many players have shunned the club.
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Speaking on his show Rio Ferdinand Presents, when quizzed about why players keep rejecting Newcastle, the former England skipper responded: "I don't know.
"Why does no one want to go there? You know what? The north east, what a place to play football. If you said to some players, 'You are going to walk out at St. James' Park, full house every week, being supported to the hills,' it's an unbelievable atmosphere."
Howe was also able to add new central defender Malick Thiaw, who joined from AC Milan for around £34.6m including add-ons, to his squad that drew 0-0 with Aston Villa on Saturday. Jacob Ramsey has now also joined from Villa.
Newcastle are also reportedly hot on the heels of Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, but it's hard to ignore the ongoing saga with superstar Isak.
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The Swedish striker was noticeably absent from the 0-0 draw against Villa, leading Howe to utilise Anthony Gordon as an impromptu centre forward, flanked by Harvey Barnes and Elanga on the wings.
It seems unlikely that Isak will don the United jersey again after declaring his refusal to play for the club. However, Howe is keeping the door ajar for further discussions with Isak and the club, if he decides to engage.
"Nothing has changed. The door is well and truly open," said Howe. "He has to decide what he wants to do. We would like a resolution. We need that clarity. You don't need any kind of distraction.
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"I am not in control of that. There is one person who can control that. Let's wait and see. I have made my stance clear. I am concentrating on the team."
The Magpies are set to welcome Liverpool to St. James' Park for their next Premier League match a week on Monday. Given the simmering tension between the two clubs this season, the reigning champions can expect a fiery reception.