The Magpies goalscoring legend feels the lack of business on Tyneside has been a ‘big surprise’
Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko and (inset) Alan Shearer
Back in the summer of 1996, Alan Shearer turned down a lucrative offer from Manchester United to sign for Newcastle for a then world-record transfer fee.
Fast forward 29 years and the Magpies goalscoring legend has been left frustrated that Benjamin Sesko has not followed in his footsteps.
The Slovenian striker looks set to reject Newcastle in favour of Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils, with a move from RB Leipzig expected to be confirmed in the coming days.
It means Newcastle’s search for a striker continues, with wantaway forward Alexander Isak training on his own at the club’s Benton base.
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While Shearer understands the allure of Old Trafford, despite their recent lack of success, he says Newcastle must now move on and deal with the Isak situation as quickly as possible.
“It sounds as if Benjamin Sesko had two clubs to choose from in Newcastle and Man United,” Shearer told Betfair. “One that won a trophy last year and is now playing Champions League football this season – and one that didn’t win anything, finished 15th and had a dreadful season.
“I understand that Man United are a huge football club, not so much a huge football team at this moment in time. I get it. I understand it.
“It looks as if, by all accounts, he prefers a move to Man United. It’s disappointing again from Newcastle, another target it looks like they’re going to miss out on and I said it about a week ago, it looks as if it’s been a disastrous window for Newcastle.
“What should’ve been a brilliant window on the back of qualifying for the Champions League and winning their first trophy for so many years, it’s turning out to be a nightmare pre-season at the moment. They’ve got lots and lots of work to do to get ready for the season.
“The biggest thing they have to do is, somehow, sort the Isak situation out – and if they can’t get anyone in, I guess that means he isn’t going anywhere.
“Eddie will have to be at his persuasive best to try and turn Isak’s head around because it has been turned in terms of him wanting to go to Liverpool.
“On the proviso that he does want to go and Eddie can’t turn his head, then you get the money. But prior to that, you have to get people in to replace him.”
Newcastle are yet to replace sporting director Paul Mitchell, while a successor for CEO Darren Eales’ has not been found – something which Shearer feels could have hampered their summer activity.
“Why can’t Newcastle get business done? I don’t know whether it’s to do with the fact they don’t have a chief executive or sporting director,” he said.
“They’ve known for months now that the chief executive was leaving so I’m pretty surprised that one hasn’t been announced as yet.
