Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Mon 25 May 2026 11:15, UK

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Alan Shearer has called on Eddie Howe to go all out in the transfer market this summer as Newcastle United look to recover from a torrid season.

The Magpies were beaten 2-0 by Fulham on the final day, in a result that encapsulated what has been a season full of dismal performances.

Issa Diop capitalised on a sleeping Newcastle defence to nod home after Kevin’s free-kick hit the post, with Tom Cairney adding a stunning second in the latter stages.

Howe has been under huge pressure at St James’ Park, with decision-makers choosing to stick behind the Englishman despite calls for him to get the sack.

The Newcastle manager will know, though, that the tether is extremely short ahead of next season, and an improvement in results will be expected immediately.

Alan Shearer demands summer exodus at Newcastle

Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Howe’s position as Newcastle manager is safe for now, despite the increasing pressure on his position.

Sunday’s defeat marked a 17th in the Premier League this season and confirmed that they have finished 12th on 49 points, just one year after they finished fifth on 66.

There undoubtedly have been mitigating factors for Newcastle – the Alexander Isak situation was a distraction throughout last summer, and meant the new arrivals had very little time to adapt.

Injuries, too, have been damaging, with Bruno Guimaraes and Yoane Wissa among those affected.

However, accountability for such a significant fall-away must land somewhere, and as the manager, Howe must expect it.

The 48-year-old can count himself lucky to even still have his job, and next season now represents a chance to use that opportunity.

“I think that’s clear now for everyone to see that Eddie [Howe] needs to refresh, he needs to ship six or seven out and get six or seven in,” Shearer told BBC Match of the Day on Sunday.

Newcastle’s squad situation assessed

Newcastle are already expecting several players to leave this summer. Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are confirmed to be leaving at the end of their contracts, with an official decision yet to be announced on Fabian Schar.

Anthony Gordon is expected to join Bayern Munich in the coming weeks, while there is also interest in the likes of Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali.

It is players such as Nick Pope, Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy that it feels as if Shearer may be referring to, however.

If Howe wants to refresh his team and go forward with something new, he must part ways with his old guard and bring in fresh blood.