Alan Shearer provides new Newcastle United & Premier League verdict after £70m transfer snub

Newcastle tried to sign Marc Guehi during the final weeks of the transfer window but failed to reach an agreement with Crystal Palace, who demanded in excess of £70million.

Guehi was Eddie Howe’s number one target and the Magpies opted against moving for potential alternatives. As a result, the club’s biggest outlay - asides from Lewis Hall’s permanent switch from Chelsea - was the £15million arrival of Will Osula from Sheffield United.

As back-up to Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson when he returns from a back injury, Osula has been an unused substitute in all four of United’s opening 2024-25 matches. Only Lloyd Kelly, a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth, has featured so far with goalkeepers John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos behind Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka in the pecking order.

Shearer had tipped Newcastle to challenge the top four finish this season but the lack of signings has forced a re-think. Instead, he believes success will be dependent on avoiding injuries.

“It's so disappointing that we didn't get the signing(s) over the line and, as I said, it doesn't reflect well on the Sporting Director or the Chief Executive,” Shearer said.

“I don't think they've given Eddie [Howe] the best chance in going into the season with as good a squad as he would've wanted, and I don't think they've improved his squad from last season. When you look at the other clubs and what they've spent and what they've done, it's  going to be really difficult for Newcastle to finish in the top four.  

“I said if we could get a signing or two in, I thought we could do it again, but Newcastle are another team that will have to be really lucky with injuries, which we weren't last season. I think that'll be the difference if Newcastle are going to sustain a challenge for fourth or fifth place.”

Follow the latest Newcastle United headlines and sign up for our football newsletter - find out more

Despite the disappointment that surrounds the transfer window, Newcastle have made a strong start to the campaign, sitting fifth in the Premier League table as well as advancing into the third round of the Carabao Cup. But Shearer believes there is massive room for improvement.

He added “Without playing well, Newcastle have had a good start to the season. Two wins and a draw and through in the cup too. I was at St James' Park on Sunday though, and I thought they were fortunate. 

“Spurs were really poor in forward areas, and had they been any better than I think Newcastle wouldn't have got that result. 

“Having said that, the thing that impressed me is the togetherness and the will to win, because without playing well, we’ve not lost yet and have seven points. If Newcastle click, then that can only be a good thing because we’ve done okay so far, but there's massive room for improvement.”