Alan Shearer doesn’t mince his words and only ever wants the best for Newcastle United.
That shows in his latest comments, where our former No 9 and record goalscorer has been speaking about the club’s transfer needs after qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
His message is simple and true: back Eddie Howe and see the results, feeling there is also no excuse not to spend and show ambition after 2024/25 featured a top-five finish and trophy without any major signings last summer.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: “Newcastle have to go out, spend and bring in at least three or four first-team players that are not only going to challenge, but get into the first-team.
“And if they do that, they won’t be far away next season. They’ll be challenging for trophies again next season.
“You’ve got to remember that Newcastle haven’t signed anyone of significance for three transfer windows now.
“That tells you that there has to be cash available and they have to provide Eddie Howe with the reinforcements he needs because if you’re not learning from how the last Champions League campaign went, then what’s the point?”
Shearer mentions the need for ‘at least’ three or four first-team signings that raise the level of Howe’s XI and that may not be far off the approach we take.
A top right winger is wanted – Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is many people’s first choice for that spot – and another centre-back is on the list, with Palace’s Marc Guehi a long-term target along with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
Another striker is also required to offer quality and reliable cover for Alexander Isak, with depth necessary to build a squad capable of competing on four fronts next season; something we couldn’t do during our last European campaign, as Shearer rightly points out!