Newcastle United transfers: Eddie Howe has delivered his stance on Lewis Miley’s future at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United transfers: Eddie Howe has spoken out about Lewis Miley’s future at the club.
Newcastle United are hoping to sign Lewis Miley to a new long-term contract at St James’ Park, but Eddie Howe has not ruled out another loan spell for the 17-year-old.
Miley signed his first professional contract with Newcastle in May, which runs through 2026. Newcastle are poised to offer Miley a new contract when he becomes 18 at the end of the season, as players under the age of 18 are not allowed to be offered contracts longer than three years.
The teenager has made 15 appearances for Newcastle this season, scoring once and assisting twice. Following his assist in Newcastle’s 4-1 victory against Chelsea in November, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes said: “Lewis Miley is a star – he is big. I was s–t at the age of 17.
“Lewis is a fantastic talent.” He delivered a fantastic performance. He assisted and played quite well. I’m very thrilled for him.”
Miley’s extended stay in the first squad is due to injuries to Elliot Anderson and Joe Willock, as well as Sandro Tonali’s 10-month betting ban.
But the 17-year-old has made the most of the opportunity and has become an important member of Howe’s side.
“Whenever you’re in this situation and you have to deal with players missing, there are always opportunities for other players to step in and state their claims,” Howe told The Gazette. “Lewis would be someone who has done that along with several other players.
“I think when everyone does return, the group will be stronger for it.”
Newcastle decided not to lease Miley out in the summer, despite interest from Championship clubs such as Leicester City. The kid impressed in pre-season for The Magpies, and Howe was eager to keep him in and around the first squad to help him improve – a decision that has been successful this season.
Once Tonali, Anderson, and Willock return, Miley may fall further down the pecking order in Newcastle’s competitive midfield.
When asked if Miley’s recent success in the Magpies’ first squad would eliminate the need to send him out on loan in the future, Howe answered The Gazette: “Who knows, it’s very difficult to tell. I thought it wouldn’t have been right to send Lewis on loan [at the start of the season], I don’t think that was appropriate and he was also too close to playing here.
“Some players bypass the loan system entirely because they improve so quickly that they are promoted directly to the first team and remain there. The rest will depend on Lewis’ performance.”
Newcastle are presently aiming to strengthen their midfield options during the January transfer window, with Manchester City and England player Kalvin Phillips reportedly a priority target for Howe’s side. The Magpies aim to reach an agreement this window, but Manchester City’s demands for a substantial loan fee is a potential stumbling block.
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