Newcastle told transfer lesson they must learn with 'what's the point' warning

MAGPIES LEGEND ALAN SHEARER HAS GIVEN HIS TRANSFER WINDOW VERDICT WITH CONFIDENCE EDDIE HOWE WILL BE BACKED 18:03, 02 Jun 2025Updated 07:44, 03 Jun 2025 Newcastle United must sign three

first-team players in key positions this summer if they are to challenge for trophies and compete in the Champions League, according to club legend Alan Shearer. The club's record

goalscorer has enjoyed every moment of what was an incredible season, as Eddie Howe's side ended the long wait for a domestic trophy by beating Liverpool to win the Carabao Cup in

March. They followed that up by qualifying for the Champions League to ensure another exciting season on the horizon. There is much anticipation on Tyneside over what United will do in the

summer transfer window, with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Marc Guehi linked with big-money moves to St James' Park. Howe has money to spend, but Shearer feels three key positions in

particular will need strengthening. "Newcastle have to go out, spend and bring in at least three or four first-team players who are not only going to challenge, but get into the

first-team," Shearer told Betfair. "And if they do that, they won't be far away next season. They'll be challenging for trophies again. "You've got to remember

that Newcastle haven't signed anyone of significance for three transfer windows now. That tells you that there has to be cash available and they have to provide Eddie Howe with the

reinforcements he needs because if you're not learning from how the last Champions League campaign went, then what's the point? "Last time, they got a load of injuries from

the amount of games they were playing and they couldn't cope or compete. We've had a taste of Europe, and now we have that to come again, but they can't fall short again. They

have to go out and spend. Article continues below "Depending on who they decide to sell, I think they need to bring in a centre-forward, a right-sided midfielder and probably another

centre-half. Those would be the three key positions for me. And on top of that, maybe another midfielder depending on what happens with Sean Longstaff or Joe Willock." Shearer remains

confident that talismanic goalscorer Alexander Isak will remain at St James' Park, despite continued links with a move away. The Swede is key to United's future success, but

'Big Al' does not see him going anywhere. "Alexander Isak is going nowhere," he added. "He's got his contract, Newcastle have won a trophy and qualified for

Champions League football so from my point of view, there's no worry about losing him but what Newcastle have to do is make this kind of season a regular occurence. "Eddie will

appreciate what he's got in Isak. He is a top class centre-forward and most, if not all, clubs would love him. That must make Eddie feel good but it also means that Newcastle have to

back it up with more signings because what has been Newcastle's best season in my lifetime has to be a regular - and I don't see why it can't be." TREASURE A SEASON TO

REMEMBER Newcastle United's 2024-25 campaign has to rank as one of the best in living memory. Not only did Eddie Howe's side qualify for the Champions League by securing fifth

place in the Premier League, but they ended their long wait for silverware by winning the Carabao Cup Our special Chronicle end-of-season edition celebrates an incredible campaign for the

Magpies, with in-depth analysis, ratings and interviews of a season to remember. Click here to buy online and have it delivered directly to your door, or you can purchase it in participating

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