Alan Shearer believes Newcastle United could live to regret not signing a centre-back this summer.
Speaking alongside Gary Lineker and Micah Richards on the Rest is Football podcast, our former number nine thinks we’ve ‘left ourselves short’ not signing centre-half, feeling there’s no doubt whatsoever that we needed another.
He also questions how much we’ve improved Eddie Howe’s first 11, believing we’ve bolstered the squad but wonders if our starting XI has been upgraded enough.
Shearer accepts that we’ve done things in a ‘measured way’ since new owners arrived and has praised moves for ‘some very good, exciting young talent’ in Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, but his only concern comes at centre-back and whether or not we’ve actually improved the first team.
He had this to say when asked about our recent business:
“They’ve left themselves short with a centre half. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.
“I think they’ve signed some very good, exciting young talent.
“They’ve got a plan. But there’s a tiny part of me (that thinks) they’ve improved the squad – but have they massively improved the 11?
“They’ve done it in a more measured way, rather than going out and buying that big name.
“But that would be my only concern – I know they’ve improved their squad. But I’m not 100% certain they’ve improved the 11.”
Financial unfair play rules are not allowing us to compete at the rate we have progressed which unfortunately which only helps the established top teams.
Could and should we be allowed to make a legal challenge as this could be classed as stopping us trading on equal terms with the top six?
Joseph(Quote)
Haha .. FuFP rules .. I like that 👏
I think that’s the core of the debate; Nufc simply couldn’t compete with Chelsea for Disasi and if the prices bring spun for Anderson are true nufc we’re right to walk away from that enquiry IMO. It’s a risk for sure as we’re seeing with injuries.
Keep to the end game of sustained top 6 /CL and be prepared for bumps like we’re seeing, continue to future proof with young talent and trust EH
GoWest!Mag(Quote)