Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has given his verdict on how many signings Eddie Howe will make after agreeing a deal for Anthony Elanga.
After a slow start to the summer transfer window, business has picked up, and the Magpies are making moves in a competitive market.
It was confirmed that Newcastle had agreed a deal worth £55million for Anthony Elanga, a target Eddie Howe has been keen on signing for the last 12 months. The 23-year-old enjoyed a spectacular Premier League season, scoring six goals and bagging 11 assists to help Nottingham Forest qualify for the Conference League.
Elanga has completed his Newcastle medical, and it is now a case of the official announcement for the Magpies’ first major signing of the summer.
Business is not expected to stop there either, Newcastle are now prioritising a striker after Elanga. Howe has made the call after Callum Wilson departed from Newcastle after five memorable seasons with the club. It was clear at the end of last season that the squad needed serious improvement after Champions League qualification was confirmed, and Howe is eager to make up for the club’s failings in previous windows.
Alan Shearer is pleased with Newcastle signing Elanga, and has now predicted what business will happen for the remainder of the transfer window.
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Alan Shearer predicts a busy summer for Newcastle United
With the Elanga deal all but confirmed, Newcastle are now focusing on other deals which are bubbling away. Recent reports stated that Newcastle are looking at Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, but they may be put off after learning they will need to pay at least £50m for him.
Elsewhere, Newcastle remain in talks with Burnley for James Trafford. The Magpies had a £26m bid rejected for the England international in June, with Scott Parker eager to get over £30m for him.
Newcastle legend Shearer previously admitted his worries over the lack of activity in the transfer window, but has now changed his tune after the way the Elanga deal progressed.
Speaking on the Rest is Football Podcast, Shearer predicted how many players Newcastle will sign this summer.
“I guess because of the news with Callum Wilson not renewing his contract, that means they are going to need someone else to come in the forward position,” he said.
“But that’s a really good start I think, and I think they’ll get another three or four in.”
Newcastle United need a busy summer after Anthony Elanga
It goes without saying, but next season will be a completely different ball game from the 2024/25 campaign. Newcastle will be playing at least eight more games next season due to their inclusion in the Champions League, which means more travel and multiple double gameweeks for Howe and his players.
Newcastle won the Carabao Cup in March, ending their agonising wait for a trophy. Howe will be eager to go on another cup run with the Magpies next season to try and build on their success earlier this year. The total number of games Newcastle will play is edging towards 60, so there will naturally be fatigue in the squad.
Strength in depth is essential, Newcastle need to make multiple signings this summer, perhaps even more than Shearer is predicting, to ensure the squad can stay fit and remove any doubt of fatigue.
It was clear last season that the squad was very tired towards the end, with the likes of Alexander Isak one player who was particularly noted for how tired he looked during games.
The 25-year-old was undoubtedly Newcastle’s star of the season, but a heavy schedule means he will have to be taken out of the squad from time to time.
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