Shearer Criticises Newcastle United’s Recruitment As He Singles Out £25M Summer Signing
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Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has singled out Lukas Hornicek after raising concerns about the Magpies’ recruitment in previous transfer windows.
The £25m summer addition was at fault for Everton’s winner earlier this week, and speaking about his former club’s recent signings, Shearer used Hornicek as an example of where things have gone wrong:
“You have to look at Newcastle’s recruitment because of the money that they’ve spent. You’re not seeing a lot of value for money. The goalkeeper should have done better with the goal on Monday.”
Hornicek is a good keeper if you overlook the errors
Shearer is correct to identify that the 24-year-old has been making too many mistakes in the opening few months of his career at St James’ Park.
However, there is cause for optimism that Hornicek will eventually come good if he can eliminate those lapses of judgement.
In terms of goals prevented this season, Newcastle’s No.1 is the second best in the top flight (+4.14), which is a figure which can only be bettered by Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen (+4.39).
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Newcastle United are planning for the future
Sporting director Ross Wilson did not recruit any players over the age of 24 during his first summer in charge of recruitment.
It is a risky strategy for many reasons, with the biggest worry being that it is difficult for young players to hit the ground running.
With all but one of the 8 summer signings being recruited from abroad, there is the added complication that they have to adapt to a new league and new country too.
‘Patience’ is the watchword, although some supporters are justifiably concerned about the lack of minutes for Sean Steur, Aladji Bamba and Bazoumana Toure, in particular. How can they adapt if they are not given a chance to play? For that reason, it may be wise for Shearer and others to reserve judgement on whether the last transfer window was a success.