‘No’ – Alan Shearer shockingly turns down Newcastle United role after expressing transfer concern
Alan Shearer Voices Concern Over Newcastle’s Transfer Struggles and Boardroom Shake-Up
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has publicly expressed his growing unease with the club’s current off-field turmoil and their underwhelming activity in the summer transfer window. The former Magpies striker admitted that recent developments behind the scenes, coupled with the failure to land key signings, have left him feeling worried about the direction the club is heading in ahead of the new season.
One major development contributing to the sense of instability is the departure of Paul Mitchell, who officially stepped down from his role as Sporting Director earlier this week. Mitchell, who spent a year with the club, exits without having overseen a significant signing during his tenure — a fact that has only intensified scrutiny from fans and pundits alike.
Newcastle’s recruitment efforts this summer have been anything but smooth. The club made formal approaches for several high-profile players, including Liam Delap, Mathias Cunha, Joao Pedro, and Dean Huijsen. Despite their best efforts and detailed presentations to player representatives, Newcastle were ultimately unsuccessful in securing any of these targets. Instead, the players opted for moves to other top European clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Real Madrid — all viewed as more attractive destinations at this stage.
Additionally, the Magpies were forced to walk away from a potential deal for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo after discovering that the player was seeking an eye-watering £250,000 per week in wages. Mbeumo is now expected to join Manchester United.
With the club missing out on multiple targets and key boardroom positions left vacant or in transition, concern has grown among supporters, many of whom fear the lack of decisive action could hinder Newcastle’s chances of building on last season’s progress — particularly with Champions League football on the horizon.
Despite the growing anxiety among fans, sources close to the club have indicated that Newcastle’s hierarchy remains optimistic about the window. There is still a strong belief that the squad will be significantly strengthened in time for the new campaign, giving manager Eddie Howe the tools he needs to compete at home and abroad.
Nevertheless, Shearer believes the club needs to act swiftly. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, he said:
> “There’s no sporting director, is there? He’s left. There’s no chief executive — he’s going too. They’ve missed out on players like Mbeumo and Joao Pedro, and they’ve been heavily linked with James Trafford. I’d like to see a little bit more activity at Newcastle, yeah.”
Following Shearer’s comments, fellow pundit Micah Richards jokingly asked if he’d be willing to take on the recruitment role himself — but the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer shut that suggestion down quickly with a dry, “No.”
Newcastle are now working to appoint a new Sporting Director as quickly as possible. Two leading candidates have emerged: Ross Wilson, currently the Chief Football Officer at Nottingham Forest, and Jason Ayto, who recently served as interim Assistant Sporting Director at Arsenal.
Wilson has built an impressive résumé, having previously held senior football roles at Rangers, Southampton, Huddersfield Town, and Watford. Since joining Forest in April 2023, he has played a key role in guiding the club from relegation trouble to securing European football for the coming season. Ayto, meanwhile, stepped in to fill the void left by Edu at Arsenal and held the post until the end of the campaign.
Progress Being Made in Transfer Market
Amid the criticism and disappointment, there are signs that Newcastle are beginning to make headway. The club is reportedly closing in on two important signings: Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
After having an initial £45 million bid for Elanga rejected last week, the Magpies returned to the negotiating table with an improved offer of £55 million. While Forest have maintained a public stance that Elanga is not for sale, talks between the two clubs have accelerated in recent days, and a deal now appears to be nearing completion.
As for Trafford, the transfer is said to be at an advanced stage, though some final hurdles remain. Burnley have reportedly made late demands that have complicated the final terms, shifting their stance on the deal multiple times. Still, optimism remains high that the goalkeeper will be wearing black and white soon.
With just weeks left in the summer transfer window, Newcastle’s business is expected to pick up pace. Supporters and club legends alike — including Shearer — will be hoping the Magpies can bounce back from early setbacks and build a squad worthy of challenging on all fronts next season.