‘No sporting director’ - Alan Shearer shares concerning Newcastle United transfer update
Newcastle United are yet to make a breakthrough in the summer transfer window.
Alan Shearer has admitted he is getting tetchy about Newcastle United’s slow start to the summer window.
St James’ Park chiefs are yet to add to the first-team setup despite Eddie Howe’s plea for early breakthroughs. The Toon boss uncharacteristically used the media to send a direct message to the club’s hierarchy - a possible nod to last year’s transfer failings.
Howe squeezed every drop of talent from Newcastle’s squad to ensure Champions League qualification and Carabao Cup success last season. He did so without a significant signing for three windows.
An exciting summer is expected on Tyneside as the PSR shackles loosen. Champions League is also a vital weapon when attracting targets while keeping current stars happy with the Saudi-backed project.
Newcastle United transfer round-up
However, frustration was evident among Newcastle circles on social media when a deal for Joao Pedro broke down. The former Brighton star was a long-term target and snubbed the Magpies to join Chelsea.
Newcastle were left reeling but all is not lost as a move for Nottingham Forest sensation Anthony Elanga could be on. The Magpies have submitted a fresh bid worth around £55million that is under consideration by Forest bosses.
James Trafford is another player Newcastle have liked for some time. Confidence remains that an agreement can be reached as Burnley play hardball over the fee.
Alan Shearer’s frustration
Speaking to The Rest Is Football podcast, club icon Shearer discussed his concern at Newcastle’s activity so far. He said: “I am a bit (concerned). There’s no sporting director, is there? The chief executive (Darren Eales) is going.
“They lost out on (Bryan) Mbeumo, they lost out on (Joao) Pedro, they were heavily linked with James Trafford. I would like to see a little bit more activity in Newcastle.”
Message to Newcastle United board
Shearer previously sent a message to the Newcastle shot-callers to back Eddie Howe as much as possible. He 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?”