Eddie Howe Eyes Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is setting his sights on a potential summer move to bring Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier back to Tyneside. Tartan-clad and holding a special place in the hearts of the North East, Tavernier and his brother James, who is 33 and currently the captain of Rangers, have deep roots in the region. They both blossomed through Newcastle’s youth ranks before their respective professional careers took different paths. Howe is no stranger to the Newcastle academy, having overseen its transformation, and his familiarity with Tavernier’s potential adds a personal touch to the potential transfer.
A Journey Through the Ranks
At 25, Tavernier has had a storied journey that has taken him from the familiar grounds of Newcastle to the bright lights of Bournemouth. As a schoolboy, he moved to Middlesbrough, where he honed his skills and carved out a reputation as a promising talent. His performances there caught the eye of Bournemouth, who secured his services in a £10 million deal in 2022. The Cherries have been quick to recognize his value, tying him down to a contract that extends until 2028. However, this hasn’t deterred Howe, who is willing to explore a significant bid, potentially north of £25 million, to bring the versatile winger back to his roots.
A Consistent Performer on the South Coast
Tavernier’s consistency on the pitch has been a key factor in Bournemouth’s unexpected rise. Over the past three seasons, he has been a rock for the Cherries, contributing both goals and assists with a level of reliability that few players in his position can match. This season alone, he has netted two goals and provided a career-high five assists in 19 league games. His performances have not only helped Bournemouth secure a strong position in the league but also put them in contention for the Champions League, a feat that would have seemed unlikely just a few years ago.
Other Summer Targets
While Tavernier remains a primary target, Howe has his eyes on other promising talents to bolster his squad. Celtic’s German star Nicolas Kuhn and PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko are also on the radar. Kuhn, known for his defensive prowess and leadership, could add a solid foundation to Newcastle’s backline. Bakayoko, on the other hand, is a dynamic and creative force in midfield, capable of changing the game with his vision and technical skills. These additions, combined with the potential return of Tavernier, could significantly strengthen Newcastle’s squad for the upcoming season.
The Push for Champions League Football
Newcastle’s ambitions are clear as they prepare to face high-flying Nottingham Forest on Sunday. A victory in this crucial match could see them leapfrog their opponents and move into fifth place in the league. Howe has emphasized the importance of this game in their quest to bring Champions League football back to St James’ Park. "The challenge for us, the coaching staff, and players is to finish as high as we can in the league," Howe said. "Our target should be what is immediately ahead of us and above us. We have to try and chase down teams like Nottingham Forest. It is a small target of points. It is not impossible for us to achieve it."
The Importance of Upcoming Games
As the season enters its critical phase, Howe recognizes the significance of each upcoming match. "The game we have coming up is potentially a big moment in that. If we let our immediate opposition slip away from us, then it becomes very difficult to make that gap up. They are important games coming up in the next few weeks," he added. Howe’s strategic approach and the team’s determination are clear as Newcastle aims to capitalize on every opportunity to secure a top-four finish. The return of Marcus Tavernier could be the catalyst they need to push their ambitions to the next level and return to the elite European stage.
