Latest news with #AlanShearer
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Alan Shearer issues Leeds United relegation verdict as Daniel Farke fact emerges
Alan Shearer believes Leeds United have the best fighting chance of surviving in the Premier League out of the three promoted sides, although he's still not convinced they will Alan Shearer has concerns that Leeds United could struggle in their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season, despite wanting the Yorkshire club to stay up. Daniel Farke's outfit were the first Championship side to secure promotion to England's top tier last term before clinching the title on the final day following a thrilling 2-1 victory against Plymouth Argyle. Throughout the summer transfer window, the newly-promoted club have bolstered their squad well after a healthy windfall, bringing in seven new faces. Sean Longstaff's £12million switch from Newcastle United represents one of the most eye-catching acquisitions at Elland Road. Premier League legend Shearer shared his thoughts for the forthcoming season on The Rest Is Football podcast with Gary Lineker and Micah Richards. He explained that while he'd rather see the Whites survive in the Premier League ahead of fellow promoted sides Burnley and Sunderland, he expects them to face a tough scrap to maintain their top-flight status. He said: "I think out of the promoted clubs, I think Leeds will have the best chance of of staying up. I think all of those reasons that Micah has said, particularly the Elland Road factor, I think it would be absolutely bouncing in there and that could play a big part in them. "So if there's any one of the three can stay up, I think it's them. But they're going to be in a relegation battle. I've probably got them in relegation zone just, but if there's one that can stay up, I think it'll be them." Richards showered Leeds with compliments, revealing that manager Farke is actually his tenant. The ex-Aston Villa defender said: "I have two thoughts on Leeds. They play some really nice football, they have got money to spend, I really like the manager, Daniel Farke, probably more because he rents my flat in Harrogate. "But they are very entertaining. I think at times last season, they played so well, they were always in games and then they would concede. And then towards the end of last season they had [Illan] Meslier who was in net, who I still really rate, but they had to drop him. They made a few mistakes late doors, they brought in [Karl] Darlow just to steady this ship, they got it over the line. "But they've got some really good players, they've got a player called [Ao] Tanaka in midfield who is really good on the ball, gets them playing on the ball. But that [Anton] Stach who scored in pre-season the other day, been stacking them up. They have really high energy, really high energy with quality." Richards went on to highlight some of the squad's strengths and weaknesses, but confessed he believes the Whites can avoid an immediate return to the Championship, adding: "Sometimes on transition they can be quite naive and they can get punished. "But in terms of the overall squad, Elland Road will play a massive factor. We've all been to that ground and it is electric. It really is bouncing, you can't get any tickets there, they're literally sold out every week and I think that could play a massive part in them staying up. "So I'm going to say they're going to find it hard at times, but I think they've got enough quality to stay up. So I'm going to say just avoid relegation." Lineker delivered the final verdict, playfully adding: "I think they'll probably go back down and Micah will lose his lease." Farke's side will be planning to prove the former Premier League stars wrong with a strong start to the new season, hosting the final game of the opening weekend. Leeds face Everton at Elland Road next Monday with an 8pm kick-off.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alan Shearer Claims Liverpool Could be ‘Impossible to Stop' This Season
Liverpool Could Become Unstoppable With Alexander Isak As Liverpool prepares for the defence of their Premier League title, there's growing speculation that a key addition to their squad could elevate them to an unbeatable level. According to football legend Alan Shearer, the Reds would be 'impossible to stop' if they were to secure the signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. This potential move has captured the attention of fans and experts alike, with many predicting it could be a game-changer in the title race. Isak: The Missing Piece to Liverpool's Attack Liverpool has been on the lookout for attacking reinforcements, and the pursuit of Isak has added another layer of intrigue to the transfer market. The Swedish striker, who netted 27 goals in all competitions for Newcastle last season, is highly coveted, but his current club has already rejected an initial offer of £110m. Reports suggest that Newcastle is holding out for a fee closer to £150m for their prized asset. Despite this, Shearer has claimed that if Liverpool were to succeed in bringing Isak to Anfield, the club's attacking options would be nearly unbeatable. Shearer's comments on The Rest Is Football podcast were emphatic: 'If they were to get him, the options they'd have up top would just be incredible. They'd be impossible to stop if they get Isak, I think.' The addition of Isak would certainly bolster Liverpool's already impressive attacking arsenal, which includes Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, and the exciting Hugo Ekitike. Liverpool's Potent Forward Line The prospect of Isak joining forces with these players paints a mouth-watering picture. With Salah's consistent goal-scoring ability and Gakpo's creative flair, adding Isak to the mix would give Liverpool a formidable front four. Last season, these attacking players combined to score a staggering 101 goals, a testament to their firepower. The thought of Isak adding to that tally has many imagining a relentless attacking force capable of overwhelming any opponent. In addition to these forwards, Liverpool also boasts the talents of Florian Wirtz, who contributed 31 goal involvements last season. If Isak were to sign, the Reds would have one of the most potent attacks in European football. With manager Arne Slot at the helm, this attacking quartet would provide him with ample options to choose from, giving Liverpool the flexibility and depth to challenge for trophies on all fronts. Potential Obstacles for Liverpool While the prospect of landing Isak would undeniably strengthen Liverpool, there are still hurdles to overcome. As things stand, the Swedish international remains a Newcastle player, and the Magpies are unlikely to let him go without a substantial offer. Liverpool must also contend with the reality that their squad depth is currently a concern. An injury to any key player, particularly in the forward line, could see them relying on less experienced alternatives like Federico Chiesa or talented young players such as Rio Ngumoha, Jayden Danns, or Ben Doak. Moreover, the team's defensive vulnerabilities remain a key issue, with Liverpool conceding 10 goals in their last five pre-season matches. While the team's collective efforts to adjust to a new tactical system and cope with the emotional loss of Diogo Jota have been admirable, improvements in defensive solidity will be crucial if Liverpool are to mount a successful title defence. A Title Race that Could Be Decided by One Transfer Despite the challenges, the addition of Isak would make Liverpool even more formidable in their quest to retain the Premier League title. While Shearer's statement that the title race would be 'finished' if the transfer were to happen may be a stretch, there's no doubt that Liverpool would become a far more dangerous side. With a player of Isak's calibre leading the line, the Reds would take some stopping, making them one of the leading contenders for the crown.
Extra.ie
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Alan Shearer slates Newcastle's 'nightmare' summer amidst Isak's impending departure
It's fair to say that no team ever wins the Premier League in the transfer window, but you can certainly lose it in the transfer window and it seems like Newcastle United aren't on the trajectory to the top of the Premier League table. After finishing fifth and qualifying for the Champions League, many had The Magpies as dark horses to compete for the title this season if they recruited well. And while adding squad pieces like Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale has improved their depth, the countless rejections and this now impending Alexander Isak departure has casted a dark cloud over their season. With rumoured failures to sign James Trafford, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo, Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike and more, it appears that Newcastle mightn't have the pull many thought they would have when they were bought by the Saudi Public Investment Fund in 2021. Alexander Isak. Pic:And with the drama surrounding Alexander Isak and the Swede's desire to leave Newcastle for Liverpool. He has already told the club that he'll never play for them again according to David Ornstein of The Athletic after they rejected a British record fee from Liverpool earlier this month and banning him from training with the first team. He has now returned to first team training however, but it still remains that Newcastle look like they couldn't have prepared worse for the season if they tried. It's left a lot of fans and pundits disappointed including former Toon legend Alan Shearer. Alexander Isak. Pic:'So far, Newcastle's pre-season has been a nightmare. There is no other way of describing it' Shearer said in his BBC column. The ex-England captain then goes on to describe that Newcastle seemingly decided not to replace two key members in terms of recruiting players in Sporting Director Darren Eales and Sporting Director Paul Mitchell. 'Newcastle went into the summer with no chief executive or sporting director, which I find amazing. They knew Darren Eales was stepping down as chief executive last September – 11 months ago – and Paul Mitchell left as sporting director at the end of June.' Alan Shearer. Pic: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images 'I don't know why they haven't appointed anyone yet or if that has hindered them in the transfer market, because I am not inside the club, but from the outside it is not a good look. It's a mess, and it begs the question about who has been making the big decisions.' It's been far from ideal preparation for Newcastle as they are looking towards Brentford's Yoann Wissa and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins as potential Isak replacements. They get their season underway away at Villa this Saturday, with kick off at 12:30pm live on TNT Sports.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Alan Shearer TEARS into Newcastle as he offers scathing verdict on the club and their transfer window - and names the two stars they should sign if £150m Alexander Isak joins Liverpool
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has hit out at the club over their approach to this summer's transfer window. The Magpies have endured a disappointing summer having been rejected by the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, Matheus Cunha, Marc Guehi and James Trafford. Benjamin Sesko added to the list last week when he opted to join Manchester United from RB Leipzig instead. Meanwhile, Newcastle's all-time record signing Alexander Isak's future remains in the air with the wantaway striker attempting to force through a move to Premier League champions Liverpool. Shearer has delivered a sctahing verdict on his former club, writing in his BBC Sport column: 'So far, Newcastle's pre-season has been a nightmare. There is no other way of describing it. 'They have had a disastrous transfer window, missing out on every one of their top targets they went for, and on top of that they have got Alexander Isak's situation hanging over them as they get ready for the opening weekend.' He added: 'Newcastle went into the summer with no chief executive or sporting director, which I find amazing. They knew Darren Eales was stepping down as chief executive last September - 11 months ago - and Paul Mitchell left as sporting director at the end of June. 'I don't know why they haven't appointed anyone yet or if that has hindered them in the transfer market, because I am not inside the club, but from the outside it is not a good look. 'It's a mess, and it begs the question about who has making the big decisions.' Newcastle are keen on Brentford striker Yoane Wissa to fill the potential void left by Isak, with Daily Mail Sport revealing last week that a deal is expected to happen. Ollie Watkins is also among the club's potential targets, and Alan Shearer believes bringing in both the Aston Villa forward and Wissa would represent good business for Newcastle. Sherer wrote: 'If they are available, Brentford's Yoane Wissa and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins are proven Premier League strikers and probably the best-case scenario from Newcastle's point of view. 'At the same time, I appreciate fans of those clubs won't like their centre-forwards being linked with moves away, the same way Newcastle supporters feel right now. 'Wissa's situation, in particular, sounds very similar to Isak's. It just shows you that this is something that happens in football all the time, and of course it is frustrating when you are on the wrong end of it.' Newcastle have added to their squad with the signings of Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale and Antonito Cordero. AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw is also on the verge of joining after the clubs agreed a package of around £34.3m Newcastle will open their Premier League campaign with a trip to Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘Everything, I'm telling you' – Micah Richards convinced SNAPCHAT risks derailing Fulham's Premier League season
Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker had plenty to say in response MICAH RICHARDS believes Fulham will struggle this season after the club banned players from using SNAPCHAT. Richards left Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer stunned as he predicted that the social media outlet could be the downfall of Marco Silva's side in the new campaign. 2 Micah Richards predicts a Snapchat ban could ruin Fulham's season Credit: Getty 2 Alex Iwobi and Co were stopped from sharing behind-the-scenes snips by club chiefs Credit: Snapchat Fulham stars regularly provided behind-the-scenes Snaps of their journey to last term's 11th place Premier League finish. Fans were left loving the brilliant banter between their Craven Cottage icons. The regular Snapchat posts also gave a glimpse into the players' lives at the London club's training ground and stadium. But Alex Iwobi revealed in July that he and his Fulham teammates had been banned from further Snapchat posts by a member of staff. He told followers: 'For those that are wondering why I haven't been snapping BTS (behind-the-scenes) in the changing room, one person in the media team has been saying I haven't been catching the right stuff. 'So, there's no more BTS. They also said I might get fined if I continue to do so, they're trying to ban snap in our changing room. 'That's why I ain't been snapping BTS, it's a shame, I know you guys enjoy seeing what my team-mates are like behind the scenes. But, I have to respect the rules.' Now, former Man City title winner Richards reckons that Fulham's Snapchat clampdown could come back to bite the club. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Silva's side have only made one signing in back-up goalie Benjamin Lecomte, while two attackers have departed in Willian and Carlos Vinicius. But Richards believes the inability to post on social media will have a worse effect on morale than the lack of new arrivals. Fulham star Calvin Bassey shows Arsenal fans his bum at worst time possible Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards' fellow presenter Shearer first said: 'I don't see Fulham doing as well as they did last year. 'I've got them sixth-bottom, I think they'll have too much to have them in a relegation battle but just below last season.' Richards then noted: 'I agree. And their media person has stopped them using Snapchat, where you used to get all the insight, the videos and stuff. Great for chemistry.' This left Shearer amused as he responded: 'Excuse me, what the f**k has that got to do with the prediction, by the way?!' Richards continued: 'Everything, I'm telling you. You can't do the videos no more, you go in there, it's going to be silent, there's going to be no banter flying, so it could affect them. 'So I'm going to say they're going to be just below what they did last season.' Shearer gasped: 'No Snapchat, so they're going to be just below last season! That's the reason!' Host Lineker then summed up the conversation by adding: 'Too much c***chat, not enough Snapchat.'
