Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will look back on the current season with mixed feelings after admitting it has been “a challenge”.
Howe’s side currently sit 13th in the Premier League table with two games remaining, 13 points adrift of the fifth-place finish they achieved last season.
Asked how he would reflect on the campaign, the 48-year-old said:
“I suppose time will tell, to a degree, but I think my initial thought now in response to that question is I will look back with probably mixed feelings.
“Some major, major highs, some great experiences, some memorable games, successful games for us and then some challenges and some periods where we’ve had to dig really deep and question ourselves and try to come back fighting, so a real mixture.
“(It is) probably different to the other seasons that I’ve had here, which have been more… not consistent success because it’s never like that, but more a feeling of smoothness through the season, of invariably positive feelings. This one has been a challenge.”
The Magpies are preparing for a major summer rebuild under the backing of PIF, with several senior players expected to leave St James’ Park.
Newcastle confirmed on Saturday that defender Emil Krafth will depart when his contract expires this summer, bringing an end to his seven-year stay on Tyneside.
Kieran Trippier is also expected to leave, while doubts remain over the long-term future of Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle and Liverpool “Frontrunners” for Lamine Camara
According to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, Newcastle’s owners are ready to be ambitious in the transfer market this summer, with Ligue 1 emerging as a key target area.
After reportedly launching a move for Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen, Newcastle are now said to be one of the two “frontrunners” to sign Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara.
“Monaco are one of those clubs that do bring players in, develop them and then sell them for the right price.
“That’s probably why these Premier League suitors have been encouraged that maybe Camara could be prised away from the Principality this summer.
“As things stand right now, you’ve got Liverpool and Newcastle who are probably the two front runners for the Senegal international.”
The 22-year-old midfielder has made 23 appearances in Ligue 1 this season, scoring once and providing four assists while averaging 2.3 tackles per game.
Already a full Senegal international with 41 caps to his name, Camara is viewed as a player with enormous upside and long-term potential.
Magpies content creator Pete Davey recently described the midfielder as a player with “huge” potential as Newcastle continue planning for a new era under Howe.
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