‘The main target’ - Alan Shearer weighs in on £65m transfer debate and sets Newcastle United goal for 2024-25
Alan Shearer is desperate - just like every Newcastle United supporter - to see Eddie Howe’s side lift silverware
Alan Shearer has insisted ending Newcastle United’s trophy curse must be the primary focus this season.
No Toon side has won domestic silverware since Jimmy Scoular lifted the FA Cup for the Magpies in 1955. Come May, that will make 70 years since Newcastle last won a major honour - the defunct Fairs Cup trophy in 1969 aside.
Shearer came close - twice - to ending the barren spell as a Newcastle player. FA Cup failure in 1998 and 1999 remained the Magpies’ last attempt at glory until Carabao Cup heartbreak against Manchester United last February.
Speaking to Betfair, the club’s all-time leading goalscorer prioritised a trophy over a potential Champions League finish. He said: “For Newcastle the main target would be to win a trophy. I wouldn't care which one but I'd take a trophy all day rather than finishing in the top four.
“Give me the choice of finishing fourth or a trophy? Trophy. No doubt about it considering we haven’t won one since 1969. Newcastle have to avoid the injuries - that killed them last season so for them to do well, they'll have to avoid injuries.
“It's been a tough summer for Newcastle, with Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi leaving and with the speculation around Eddie Howe and England. I think Liverpool will finish in the top four again.
“I'd be hopeful of Newcastle because they haven't got European football to contend with this year so in terms of injuries and squad availability, that should help them. If they can get a free run, then I'd be hopeful that Newcastle could finish fourth.”
"I'd be hopeful of Newcastle because they haven't got European football to contend with this year so in terms of injuries and squad availability, that should help them. If they can get a free run, then I'd be hopeful that Newcastle could finish fourth.”
Shearer also claimed signing March Guehi would be a “real statement” - with Newcastle and Crystal Palace locked in negotiations after three bids were rejected. He added: "Hopefully things will settle down and we're able to make another signing or two.
“It'll be a real statement if Newcastle spend £55million to £60million on a central defender. Guehi was one of England's best players at the Euros so if they can get him then it'd be a real statement signing.”