'Wouldn't go amiss' - Alan Shearer knows exactly what Newcastle United need in January
Alan Shearer has urged Newcastle United to make some key moves in the January transfer window.
An ‘injection’ of new blood is needed in the Newcastle United squad this January to keep their knife-edge season on track.
That’s according to club legend Alan Shearer, who is worried about the Magpies’ prospects in what is going to be a highly demanding end to the winter. Newcastle have finally hit some form in the Premier League, winning their last three matches to climb to seventh in the table, just three points adrift of Liverpool in fourth. However, Eddie Howe’s men needed a penalty shootout to get past Bournemouth in the FA Cup after a 3-3 draw, while they lost 2-0 at home to Manchester City in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.
The Magpies now face a ruthlessly demanding schedule between now and the end of February, facing 11 matches in 42 days at a rate of a game every 3.8 days. Within that sequence, Newcastle face the likes of PSG, Liverpool, Man City twice and Aston Villa twice. And to make things even more difficult, seven of those matches come away from St. James’ Park, starting with Sunday’s trip to bottom side Wolves in the Premier League.
Alan Shearer urges Newcastle to make new signings
This testing run - spanning Premier League, Champions League, EFL Cup and FA Cup commitments - coupled with the extensive injury problems Newcastle have suffered throughout the campaign, is cause enough to go into the market for a couple of signings, according to Shearer.
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"It's not impossible, but it's very, very, very difficult now for Newcastle in the League Cup," said the Newcastle record goalscorer. "Even going back to the Etihad with a draw would've been hard enough, but going back being 2-0 down is extremely tough and it's highly unlikely that Newcastle will be in the Carabao Cup final this season.
"They had their chances. [Yoane] Wissa had a really great chance early on. [Nick] Woltemade came on and missed a great chance so when you're presented with these chances and don't take them, you're going to get hurt.
"Newcastle were fortunate it wasn't three because it should've been but for a stupid VAR decision. "Newcastle need to make signings in January. Another body or two wouldn't go amiss. A bit more energy and life to the team because they've got an incredibly difficult run coming up after this weekend.
"After Wolves, I read somewhere that it's something like eight out of nine away games between January and February which is going to be incredibly tough. "I think an injection in the squad definitely wouldn't go amiss."
Jamaal Lascelles poised for January exit
While Newcastle fans will be eager to see some new faces come in at St. James’ Park, they may be about to see one of their favourites leave. Injuries have seriously hampered Jamaal Lascelles’ ability to contribute to Howe’s side over the past few years, with the 32-year-old making just 39 appearances across all competitions since the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
Nevertheless, Lascelles remains club captain and a reliable option when called upon, while he’s immensely popular on the St. James’ Park terraces. Lascelles’ contract expires this summer, and according to the Daily Mail, the centre-back has been discussed among numerous defensive options for West Ham United this January.
The Hammers are mired in the relegation zone and must turn their form around quickly after taking just 14 points and three wins from their opening 21 games of the season. The Premier League’s worst defensive record of 43 goals conceded has certainly not helped their cause.
No formal approach has been made, with any move from West Ham dependent on Lascelles’ fitness. However, it’s understood that the Hammers greatly value his leadership, and believe he could be a transformative addition to Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad should he stay fit.
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