Newcastle are preparing for a busy summer following a poor season, which was exacerbated by Saturday’s FA Cup loss.
Alan Shearer believes Newcastle United may need up to five new arrivals this summer to rebalance their revival project.
The Magpies were constrained by Premier League spending regulations in January, but they may have more breathing room this summer thanks to Champions League money and the likely sale of marginal players. Eddie Howe has had a rough season due to frequent injuries.
However, there is no ignoring the fact that Newcastle are on track for a disappointing finish, as the team sits 10th in the table, 13 points below the top five. Saturday’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City means the team has won only one of their last six games in 90 minutes, after beating Blackburn Rovers on penalties in the previous round.
Questions remain about Howe’s future, although Shearer believes he will be retained as manager. He concedes, however, that the boss will require reinforcements ahead of the new season.
While on punditry duty for the BBC at the Etihad Stadium, Newcastle icon Shearer said: “I would add, however, that he needs new players in the summer. He needs the opportunity to get a few out, and they need a new pair of legs to come in.
“There are a lot of players who have certainly not hit the heights of last season, this season – at least four or five of them.”
Regarding Howe’s future, Shearer stated, “I believe there have been mitigating circumstances.” When it comes to injuries, particularly to [Nick] Pope and Joelinton, those two guys have been much missed because they contribute so much to the club.
“But I know he (Howe) has enough in the bank. He will be Newcastle’s manager next season, regardless of whether they finish in the middle of the table or qualify for Europe.
“He’s got enough in the bank with what he did last season, they’ve got that belief in him and so they should do.”
