Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has revealed that he would love to sign for Newcastle United should they appoint Eddie Howe as their new manager.
Eddie Howe, 43, has been among a host of managers linked with the vacant Newcastle United post following Steve Bruce’s sacking last week. The English tactician did a marvellous job during his time at Bournemouth, transforming the club from a League One outfit to an established Premier League side in just three campaigns.
And Jack Wilshere, having played under Eddie Howe, would be thrilled to reunite with the 43-year-old tactician at Newcastle United, although the player admitted he isn’t sure the ex-Bournemouth boss would bring him in.
“I would love to. I’m not sure if he would take me though, Wilshere said in the talkSPORT show.
“I worked with him before and I still speak with him so I could ask the question.
“I think he’d be great with the players Newcastle have got. With the transition they’re in, he could take them to the next level.”
Jack Wilshere, 29, has been a free agent since being released by Championship club Bournemouth at the end of last season. The midfielder has recently been training with his former club Arsenal after spending a couple of months with Serie B side Como in Italy.
Jack Wilshere to Newcastle United—Should the Magpies snap him up on a free transfer?
Newcastle United are yet to appoint Steve Bruce’s successor, having given the interim keys to Graeme Jones to take charge of the next two Premier League games.
Steve Bruce’s tenure ended on Wednesday, days after losing a home game to Tottenham Hotspur, which was the 1,000th game of his managerial career. The Magpies are reeling in the relegation zone and the new owners’ immediate concern will be to save the club from the drop to the Championship before going big in the transfer market next summer.
Eddie Howe could be an astute managerial appointment at St James’ Park and will expect backing from the wealthy owners during the January window. If given the keys of the club, Howe could look at reinforcing the Magpies’ midfield options considering the fact that none of the players have performed consistently this season.
However, Howe must not consider the prospect of signing Jack Wilshere after his recent admission. Firstly, Wilshere’s injury problems and fitness issues have been a concern since his Arsenal days and there doesn’t seem any end to it. Secondly, the former England international last played a Premier League game in the 2019/20 season, thus, a return to the rigours of top-flight football might make it difficult for him to adapt quickly.
Wilshere has solid Premier League experience having represented clubs like Arsenal, Bournemouth and West Ham, but his stock has dramatically dipped over the last few years and there’s a reason why the Cherries released him earlier this year.
All in all, if Howe succeeds Bruce at Newcastle, he must avoid signing Wilshere.
