Alan Shearer, Newcastle United's all-time record goalscorer and the Premier League's most prolific marksman, warned in May that failing to sign a striker would leave the club in trouble. His prediction has proven accurate as Newcastle continues to struggle without a top-class frontman.
Shearer's Warning and the Summer Window
Speaking to Chronicle Live via Betfair in May, Shearer said: "I think signing a striker for Newcastle is crucial in this transfer window, but you name me a club that does not have a centre-forward that's going to be crucial to their plans."
He added: "Out of the 20 Premier League clubs, I could give you 12 or 13 that are looking for that exact same player. And they're all probably shopping in the same market. They've all got their scouting networks all over the world, looking for the next £70m-£80m player that will be sold in five or six years' time, but everyone is after that."
Shearer also said: "It's a really, really important summer for Newcastle. I do believe last summer's transfer window has set them back two years but we have to accept that and get on with it. They're still in a healthy position, and it'll be a really important, interesting summer ahead for Newcastle."
Failed Signings and Missed Targets
Newcastle spent £124m on Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade with almost zero success. Wissa has struggled since an early knee injury, while Woltemade initially impressed before his form dropped and he was sent to Juventus. The club missed out on Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, and Benjamin Sesko, and after rejected approaches for Liam Delap, Ollie Watkins, and Gonzalo Ramos, they paid over the odds for players at the end of their shopping list.
This summer, Newcastle appeared content to go into the season with Will Osula, Wissa, and Woltemade, focusing resources elsewhere. The gamble has not paid off, with Wissa showing no composure or ruthlessness and Woltemade's attributes not fitting the style of Eddie Howe or his successor Matthias Jaissle.
Current Struggles and January Options
On deadline day, Newcastle paid £51m for Matias Fernandez-Pardo, but the young Belgian looks off the Premier League pace and has missed a glut of chances. He is yet to score for the club.
Wissa, with 50 Premier League goals at Brentford, has just one this term. Shearer said last month: "I think in the main, he's given Newcastle a little bit more, but he does need to score more goals. I know he's at times played as a 10 and I can't fault his work rate at all. I think his work rate's been excellent, but he does need to add goals to his game too."
Newcastle have another chance to find firepower in January, but the winter window is notoriously difficult. They may have to struggle through until the summer, hoping one of their current forwards comes good before delivering what Shearer and Jaissle demand.
