Alan Shearer sends brutal Newcastle transfer warning after Will Osula form – ‘Don’t be fooled’
Shearer has offered his thoughts on Newcastle’s striker situation after their win over West Ham.
Alan Shearer(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer insists the Magpies must still target a new striker in the summer transfer window, despite the brilliant end of season form of Will Osula.
Osula scored twice on Sunday as Eddie Howe’s side ran out 3-1 winners over West Ham United taking his tally to six goals in his last eight Premier League appearances.
The 22-year-old has started each of the last six games up front for Newcastle and has made the striker position his own with a really strong end to the season.
He remains a bit of an unpolished diamond, though, and while his impact during the end of season run-in cannot be ignored, Shearer insists Newcastle cannot be fooled into thinking a striker isn’t a priority in the summer transfer window.
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“I thought it was much better from Newcastle. Much more positivity, Trippier leaving, Krafth leaving, so they get to leave on a good note. Good way to end the season at St James’ Park because there has been a lot of negativity and Newcastle have been poor by recent standards.
“So good to get the three points but I have to say, West Ham: Oh my goodness. They were dreadful defensively. It was like watching an under-15 or 16 amateur side at times how bad they are defensively.
“Woltemade got a goal. I am pleased for him. Osula got two. He looked really good, really promising, really energetic and took his goals well. He has done really well and done everything that has been asked of him of late.
“But I don’t think Newcastle should be fooled in terms of the last three or four weeks what he has done and what happened today. They still need recruitment in that position.”
William Osula of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal
However, Howe hinted on Friday’s press conference that he is happy with his current striking options. When asked if he would target a striker this summer, the Newcastle head coach replied: “Certainly not at the moment because, in terms of striker, we’ve got healthy numbers in that position.
“It’s been a challenge for us trying to find the right balance and trying to find a way to continually score goals and create the amount of chances that he want to.
“I don’t think we’re quite there yet, we’ve got work to do in that area. But obviously Yoane has had fitness struggles. Will Osula has really grown and flowered late into the season and has done really well in recent games.
“Of course Anthony has played there and Nick has played there and done well early season. The players are there, we’ve just got to try and bring it all together and make it work.”
