Newcastle United missed many transfer targets this summer, and their former striker Alan Shearer offered advice as the new season gets bigger
Alan Shearer believes Newcastle United should respond by signing two forwards instead of one, Benjamin Sesco’s missed out. The Magpie lost his top scorer Alexander Isaac last season and failed to land potential replacements such as Sesco, Joan Pedro and Hugo Ektique.
Newcastle has accepted a bid for Slovenian striker Sesco, but is poised to choose Manchester United instead. Isaac can still stay at St James Park amid interest from Liverpool, but has yet to return to Eddiehau’s good book.
Now, Shearer believes it is time for Manager How to strengthen the pursuit of Ollie Watkins and long-time target Joa Wissa. Brentford’s Starwissa returned to training like Isaac, but she managed to get the move before August went up.
“The situation at Wissa sounds very similar to the situation at ISAK, who is seeking a move to get what they want,” Shearer told Betfair. “Ollie Watkins is deeply connected to other clubs. Man United is one of them. I don’t know if there will be a deal between Newcastle and Aston Villa.
“I’m an Ollie admirer, but I don’t think Aston Villa fans and managers will appreciate me and others talking about going to various clubs.” In fact, Watkins’ Villa is scheduled to play Newcastle on the opening weekend of the season, with the English striker scoring in the opening minutes the last two teams met.
read more: Transfer News Live: Sesko’s latest in Man Utd Deal, Grealish’s Next Club, Nunez’s Liverpool Exit, ISAKread more: Eddie Howe’s statement on Alexander Isaac as a decision regarding Liverpool transfer target
Newcastle competed in the Champions League after finishing fifth last year, but all of the teams above it have been strengthened. Hau’s side has been relatively quiet in the window so far, and Shearer realizes that this could hurt them.
“It’s a merry-go-round at that moment,” he continued. “When you look at the chasing packs with business and astronomical fees paid by Arsenal, Chelsea, and more, you see things like Newcastle, Aston Villa, Brighton, etc., it’s hard to break into the top four. This merry-go-round continues all the way to the end of the window.”
Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale have already completed their move to Newcastle this summer, bringing them the Premier League experience. Also, Sesko may have a higher ceiling than other targets, but the league-ready option may be suitable for Howe.
“If Newcastle gets Joan Wissa and Ollie Watkins, I think it’s a really good signing, but I don’t think Aston Villa and Brentford fans will appreciate talking about players like us,” Shearer added. “If we can do these deals, it’s a huge plus for Newcastle and we need that. Even if ISAK stays there, we’re losing Callum Wilson, so we need another centre forward.
“I’ve seen Cesco in the Champions League and he’s very young, but he’s raw. There’s definitely talent there, but he needs to improve a lot, not a finished article. I’d say the same thing if he comes to Newcastle.
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