Alan Shearer makes controversial Newcastle United transfer claim - but he's '100% correct'
We asked our Newcastle United readers for their thoughts on Alan Shearer’s Will Osula verdict.
Will Osula’s form ‘shouldn’t fool’ Newcastle United into thinking they don’t need to sign a striker this summer.
That’s the verdict of the Magpies’ all-time record goal-scorer Alan Shearer after Osula scored a brace in Sunday’s 3-1 win over West Ham United to take his tally to six goals in his last eight Premier League outings.
Osula has started each of the last six matches, with Eddie Howe preferring him up front over £119million summer signings Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
Newcastle United must still sign a striker - Alan Shearer
Woltemade started well after joining from Stuttgart and has hit double figures in terms of goals this season, however hasn’t started as the central striker since February with Howe using him a little deeper on the pitch.
Wissa, meanwhile, didn’t make his debut until December due to a knee injury and since returning has looked short of match fitness and sharpness.
Anthony Gordon also had a spell as the number nine before Osula was given his opportunity. And even though the 22-year-old has grasped it with both hands, Shearer doesn’t believe he should lead Newcastle’s line next season.
“He has yeah [took his opportunities],” Shearer told the Rest is Football Podcast. “He’s done really well and has done everything that has been asked of him of late but I don’t think Newcastle should be fooled in terms of what he’s done in the last few weeks, they still need recruitment in that position.”
Do Newcastle United fans agree with Alan Shearer?
With Osula very much Newcastle’s man of the moment, Shearer’s could be viewed as controversial, so that’s why we asked Newcastle supporters over on our Facebook page what they thought.
And here are some of the responses, with the vast majority in agreement with Shearer.
Tom Wade: “In a top 6 side, he would not be a first-choice striker at the moment but he has a bright future ahead if he is patient.
“He needs to work on his link-up play and learn how to bring other players into play but he is our Number 1 striker now so well done to him.
“If we don’t bring in a top forward, we will struggle next season.”
Thomas Fleet: “He’s 100% cent correct. He’s in good form and a very unorthodox talent, but I’m not convinced he’s the man to lead the line 24-7.”
Lee Jones: “You’d have to be utterly clueless to think he should be our no.1 striker next season.”
Shaun Moorhouse: “Yes I agree with that. I've said all along he can also play down the right.”
Allan Miller: “Yes - Shearer knows the score. For me I’d rather he (Osula) enhanced his price.”
Andy Lloyd: “Woltemade scored 1 in 19 before he was benched or moved to midfield. Gordon didn’t score many in the PL playing up front. Now Osula comes in, looks like a proper striker with pace, power and skill, scores 5 in his last 5 games, plus the worldie against Man Utd to give us the 3 points - and people are quick to bring him down?
“Facts: none of our other strikers would have scored the goals he has. They’re not fast enough, strong enough or skilled enough. He’s literally our best striker at the moment. If he keeps progressing then why can’t he score 15-20 next season?”