Revealed: How Eddie Howe feels about Nunez signing for Newcastle
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(Credit: Imago) Exclusive: Eddie Howe’s stance on signing Darwin Nunez for Newcastle Sun 1 March 2026 11:29, UK Eddie Howe is not pushing for Newcastle to sign Darwin Nunez this summer despite concerns about his current attacking options.Newcastle have been heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old, who has been frozen out of the Al-Hilal squad under Simone Inzaghi in favour of Karim Benzema.However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Howe is not keen on Nunez and would prefer other options.Concerns about the performances of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have pushed the Magpies into the market for a new striker ahead of the summer window.While Nunez is on their radar, a move is currently considered unlikely, and there are other options Newcastle will assess ahead of the summer transfer window.Darwin Nunez is a target for Newcastle. (Credit Imago) 🔄 Newcastle Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Newcastle United boardroom.
VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Newcastle unlikely to make Darwin Nunez moveFootball Insider revealed on 27 February that Newcastle are unlikely to move for Nunez, with his future still up in the air as he eyes a return to European football.The Uruguay international’s hefty pay packet and rival interest is set to force Newcastle to look elsewhere in their pursuit of a new forward.While there is a belief that his skillset could be useful for the Magpies, but he doesn’t fit in with what Howe is building and the players he wants to bring in.Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I think it would be a surprise move for me.“Darwin Nunes has been frozen out of Simone Inzaghi’s squad, not being registered for the second half of Pro League campaign due to arrival of Karim Benzema. “That is likely to force Nunez to move on next summer.
“I’m not sure he’s an Eddie Howe type of player, I don’t think the manager will be looking at him as the kind of player he wants to add to his squad.“He’s an explosive player, he’s unpredictable, he’s got pace in behind, so if Newcastle are looking for that type of forward then it’s somebody they may look at.Credit: Imago“But look, I think if Newcastle want to strengthen their attacking options next season then I think they’ll be looking at a number of strikers across Europe to try and bring in. “As I said, although Nunes is keen to move on from Al Hilal, it’s still not an easy deal to do just due to the finances involved.”Read more: Could Howe be sacked by Newcastle?Who else could Newcastle target to end striker issues?Football Insider exclusively revealed on 12 February that Newcastle will prioritise signing a new striker, as they are unhappy with both Woltemade and Wissa.The two forwards were brought in as part of Newcastle’s last-ditch attempts to replace Isak after he made the record-breaking switch to Liverpool last summer.As a result, they are targeting a number of potential additions to lead the line, including some high-profile names from rival Premier League clubs.Credit: ImagoFormer Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this month that Newcastle are interested in Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is expected to leave Crystal Palace.Howe is keen to recruit players with Premier League experience, and Mateta’s goalscoring record in England’s top tier has placed him firmly on their radar.