Alan Shearer has expressed his disappointment as key targets pass Newcastle United by at the start of the summer transfer window.
While Newcastle have announced Antonio Cordero’s arrival, he is an 18-year-old talent who is going to be loaned out. He will not be involved in the Newcastle United squad that will be competing in next season’s Champions League.
The Magpies are yet to make any major signings, with Bryan Mbeumo deemed too expensive.
Newcastle have also missed out on Liam Delap, who has decided to move to Chelsea after they activated his £30million release clause.
Alan Shearer hails Liam Delap amid Newcastle United regret
That deal has been praised by Alan Shearer, with the Newcastle United legend disappointed that the striker is not heading to St James’ Park instead.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer admitted he wanted Newcastle to sign Delap.
“I think he is a bit old-fashioned,” he said.
“He is like a throwback from what a centre-forward was 20 or 30 years ago when they were all in fashion. Aggressive, horrible to play against, doesn’t mind mixing it up, can run in behind.
“Obviously he scores goals. The number of goals he scored in a really struggling team. That is only going to get better. At his age, the ability he has got now. I think he has got a really bright future.
“I like him. I would have liked to have seen Newcastle get him, but for whatever reason he has decided to go to Chelsea. I think that is a really smart move for them.”
Liam Delap has been compared to Alan Shearer
It is easy to understand why Shearer wanted Delap to join Newcastle United.
The young forward has been regularly compared to the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer, with his throwback style reminding multiple ex-players of Shearer.
Speaking about Delap to TNT Sports in May, Steve Sidwell said: “He kind of reminds me of a young Alan Shearer when he was at Southampton. Just robust, an out-and-out No. 9 who knows where the goal is.”
Theo Walcott has also likened Delap to Shearer, telling the Premier League YouTube channel: “Liam Delap is a player that actually reminds me of a Newcastle player, Alan Shearer, a little bit, if I’m going to compare him to someone. Because of his stature, how he bullies defenders, he doesn’t care if you’re playing for the top teams, we’ve seen that this year already.”
During his first season in the Premier League, Delap scored 12 goals for an Ipswich Town side that were relegated.
It was an impressive tally, and Chelsea are hoping he can kick on even further at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle had similar ambitions for him at St James’ Park, but the Magpies could not guarantee that Delap would be their main man. That is no surprise considering Newcastle already have Alexander Isak. If a striker does arrive on Tyneside, they will always be secondary to the Sweden international.
That sums up why it is tough for Newcastle to sign a striker. However, it is vital that someone does arrive, with Callum Wilson likely to leave when his contract expires at the end of June.
While Newcastle plan to keep Will Osula at the club next season, it is a big ask for him to step up and be Isak’s main deputy.
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