Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer has claimed that he would be surprised if Newcastle United did anything in the January transfer window.
He believes that manager Rafa Benitez would also be surprised if the club brought anyone in this month, adding that the Spaniard’s “hands are tied” due to the fact that he is working on a minute budget that somehow led the team to a tenth place finish in the Premier League last season.
Shearer reckons that if the Magpies manage to avoid relegation this term, it will be a very good result for them.
“No I don’t,” Shearer said on BBC Radio 5 Live, when asked whether Newcastle will do anything this month.
“I’d be surprised if they did, and probably Rafa Benitez would be the same. I think he’s, yes, frustrated and feel as if his hands are tied behind his back at times, because he’s working on an unbelievable budget here. To get Newcastle to tenth last season.
“And if they survive again, it will be a very, very good season, and that is the sad thing about it. But, he just wants to be given a chance. I don’t think he wants £300 or £400 million. He wants a chance to compete, to try and get Newcastle in the top half of the table and try and have a good cup run.
“I looked at the centre-forward they had on [Boxing Day against Liverpool]. 2o years ago they paid about £6 million for Les Ferdinand. They had a £6 million forward on Boxing Day in Joselu. So that tells you exactly where Newcastle United are.”
⚫⚪ 1995 – Les Ferdinand, £6 million
⚫⚪ 2017 – Joselu, £6 million@alanshearer says Rafa Benitez has 'his hands tied behind his back' financially. pic.twitter.com/qWcZ2Z8GqZ— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) January 3, 2019
OPINION
To be honest, it is hard not to agree with Shearer when he says he would be surprised if Newcastle did anything in the current transfer window. There has been no promise of any sort of funds for this month, and that is incredibly concerning when you look at Newcastle’s recent results and the players that they desperately need to recruit. The Magpies are just two points off the relegation zone at the moment, and if they do not spend in January, then they will definitely be destined for Championship football next season. The well-known pundit certainly did not hold back with his criticism of Newcastle’s forward in the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool on Boxing Day. The fact that they have a striker who cost a low price tag in this day and age – especially in the top-flight – is rather shocking. This is one of the many issues that they need to solve as soon as possible, but it remains to be seen just what will happen in this window.
