Newcastle United fans have been feeling frustrated this summer, and club legend Alan Shearer isn’t holding back either.
As the Premier League season looms, Shearer has openly criticized the Magpies’ handling of their transfer business, calling it a “nightmare” from the outside looking in.
Missed Targets and Uncertainty Over Alexander Isak
Newcastle’s summer hasn’t gone as planned. The club failed to land several key targets like Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, Matheus Cunha, Marc Guehi, and James Trafford.
More recently, Benjamin Sesko chose Manchester United over Newcastle, adding to the list of transfer disappointments.
Adding to the drama, Newcastle’s record signing Alexander Isak is reportedly pushing for a move to Liverpool, leaving the striker’s future uncertain right before the season starts.
Shearer Blames Leadership Vacuum for Transfer Struggles
In his BBC Sport column, Shearer expressed disbelief that Newcastle have gone through this transfer window without a chief executive or sporting director in place.
Darren Eales announced he would step down nearly a year ago, and Paul Mitchell left his sporting director role just last month.
Shearer said, “I don’t know why they haven’t appointed anyone yet, or if that’s affected their ability to do deals, but from the outside, it looks like a mess.”
He questioned who is actually making the big decisions at the club and suggested this leadership gap might explain the chaotic transfer activity.
Potential Signings Could Still Brighten Newcastle’s Prospects
Despite the setbacks, Newcastle are reportedly targeting Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins to boost their attack, especially if Isak leaves.
Shearer believes both players would be smart signings.
He wrote, “If they are available, Wissa and Watkins are proven Premier League strikers and probably the best-case scenario for Newcastle right now.”
However, he acknowledged that fans of Brentford and Aston Villa won’t be thrilled to see their star forwards linked with moves away—just like Newcastle fans feel about losing Isak.
New Additions and What Lies Ahead for Newcastle
On the bright side, Newcastle have already brought in a few new faces, including Anthony Elanga, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, and winger Antonito Cordero.
A deal for AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw is also reportedly close, with the clubs agreeing on a package around £34.3 million.
The Magpies will kick off their Premier League campaign with a trip to Aston Villa this Saturday afternoon—a game fans will watch closely to see how the team starts amid all the summer drama.