Latest news with #AlanShearer
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Alan Shearer gives verdict on Marcus Rashford's loan to Barcelona - as the Newcastle legend names the key factor he will need to be a success in LaLiga
Alan Shearer has insisted Marcus Rashford's loan move to Barcelona will provide the 27-year-old with the opportunity to revitalise his career. Rashford spent the latter half of last season on loan at Villa Park after his relationship with Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim broke down shortly after the Portuguese arrived at Old Trafford. Barcelona have long been linked with a move for Rashford, and a deal finally came to fruition this week as he completed a season-long loan move to the Catalan club. The deal also includes an option for Hansi Flick's side to make the move permanent next summer. Following the announcement Rashford expressed his excitement to play for the club and Shearer claimed that the former England star has made the right choice. 'It could be a huge move for Marcus Rashford,' Shearer told Betfair. 'That all depends on him. 'I guess, and he probably thinks that it's time for a reset and if he can forget what's gone on in the past, the good and the bad, then he's got a great opportunity to kickstart his career again. 'It doesn't get much bigger than Barcelona, so Hansi Flick and the club clearly believe in him, they're paying his full salary and there's a clause at the end of the loan if they want to sign him on a permanent basis, so what an opportunity for Marcus to have a career reset.' In recent years Rashford has often found himself at odds with United particularly due to perceived issues with his attitude. After the United academy graduate publicly expressed his desire to leave the club in a bombshell interview late last year, Amorim questioned the advice Rashford was receiving from his entourage. Shearer highlighted Rashford's mentality and insisted that Rashford is solely responsible for getting back to his best on the pitch. 'That's what he must do and that has to be the mentality,' he said. 'Only he can answer whether he gets back in the England squad. I don't know him personally, what his state of mind is in terms of where he feels he is, but I guess the whole Barcelona project believe they can get the best out of him otherwise they wouldn't be paying the £300,000-odd per week for him. He continued: 'I guess they've done their homework, sat down with him and they feel it's a chance worth taking. 'It could be an expensive one or it could be a great signing. I don't know is the answer.' 'We've seen flashes of his best at Aston Villa. They chose not to sign him permanently for whatever reason. 'Barcelona believe they can get the very best out of him and if they can, it could turn out to be a shrewd signing. 'But you also have to look at it and think it's a little bit of a gamble because we've not seen anywhere near the heights that he hit all those years ago for a long time now. Only Marcus knows where he is mentally and physically.'
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Alexander Isak, the final boss of this summer's transfer window
'Winning the transfer window' is common parlance these days, despite its entire premise lacking anything like common sense. Some players come good/go bad quicker/slower than others. But such is the binary nature of football's unrelenting push towards being a mercantile, rather than sporting pursuit, that Football Daily is all too happy to throw itself into such nonsense. It's what we're here for, in all honesty. In a world of 'here we go', 'preparing a bid' and 'agreements reached', this summer's final boss is Alexander Isak. He's the striker everyone wants, Newcastle most of all, during what must now be termed 'a troubled pre-season'. To use more common parlance, the 25-year-old Swedish hitman, the best player on Tyneside since Alan Shearer was king creosote, is now a 'wantaway striker', to use even more common parlance. 'Eddie Howe has to use all his persuasive powers to do what he can and try to make him stay at least one more year,' wailed Wor Alan himself. About those persuasive powers: Newcastle have chased down Bryan Mbeumo, João Pedro, Matheus Cunha, Dean Huijsen, Liam Delap, James Trafford and Hugo Ekitike … and none of them were welcomed by a soft-focus social media disgrace video featuring Sam Fender breathily singing the lyrics of Alan Hull. All headed elsewhere. Thus far, only Anthony Elanga for a pricey-looking £55m has arrived. Isak cost not far short of £65m when Newcastle bought him and, as Shearer sighed, if they can get 'north of' £150m for him, then that's good business. Well, perhaps if Howe and a recruitment team including his nephew can do what King Kevin Keegan once did and tell players London is actually closer than they thought. A certain element of dissatisfaction begins to simmer on Tyneside. Wasn't the end of the hated Mike Ashley regime supposed to be the end of Newcastle as a selling club? Surely the involvement of the Saudi Public Investment Fund meant the club was rich beyond any wildest dreams during Ashley's reign of torpor? This wasn't what the drone show promised. In the wings await Liverpool and Arsenal, who in Toon Army lore are members of the hated Red Cartel who pushed profit and sustainability rules on the Premier League to mean all that Saudi loot couldn't be splurged on Kylian Mbappé. Now that Isak's desire to 'explore his options', to use the euphemism, is clear, they appear the most likely destinations. If Liverpool clear out seven players – Darwin Núñez, Harvey Elliott, Luis Díaz, Federico Chiesa, Kostas Tsimikas, Tyler Morton and Ben Doak – then the cash may well be available. 'Headroom', to return to using common transfer business parlance. Meanwhile, in actual football news, Howe's team kicked off pre-season with Saturday's 4-0 defeat to Celtic, who in turn lost 5-1 to Ajax on Thursday. 'I realised how quickly things can change, from playing to not having a football job. I think that helped me think about future plans … you know one day you have to retire. I think that scares a lot of people' – Yana Daniëls missed out on Belgium's Euros squad but has made a place for herself in the tournament – by handcrafting wooden trophy cases on the Wirral. I don't know about Ashley Young running legendary north London boozer the Faltering Fullback (yesterday's Football Daily). But he could probably get a game. The Fullback will be making its debut in a London vets league this season and players need to be 40 years old/young. Enquire within, Ashley. Training's in Finsbury Park most some weeks' – Dan Ashley. I hate to be that person, but I want to avoid the erasure of Grimsby Town's link with footballing history. Tony Ford didn't spend the majority of his career in Lancashire (yesterday's Football Daily), he spent the majority on the banks of the River Humber where the salty air from the mudflats no doubt prolonged his career, allowing him to finish it at Rochdale. Some 444 games in total with two spells at the Mariners, with time spent in Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire and the West Midlands in between' – Mark Gill. Is everyone still arguing about the north and south of England (Football Daily letters passim)? Thankfully I live in New Zealand, where the north and south are conveniently divided into different islands. If you followed the example of New Zealand, the Solent would be the dividing line, and residents of the Isle of Wight would refer to it as the mainland" – Tim Scanlan. If you have any, please send letters to Today's winner of our prizeless letter o' the day is … Tim Scanlan. Terms and conditions for our competitions, when we run them, are here. The Women's Football Weekly pod squad are back once again with a preview of the Euro 2025 final. Yes, there is a David Squires extended universe and yes, you can get your hands on a host of his cartoons – including a limited-edition new strip. England's 1966 team had World Cup Willie, an imaginary cartoon lion. They also had Pickles, the pooch who found the Jules Rimet trophy – presumably still gleaming – wrapped in newspaper lying by the front wheel of a parked car in South Norwood. As for the Lionesses, they have a real, live hound accompanying them to glory at Euro 2025. Reggie the Cavapoo belongs to the owner of the mobile barista bar that's accompanying England on their Euros campaign, and the players have taken Reggie to their hearts. Added Keira Walsh: 'I don't think he realises how much he's helped us. When we won the game, he came into the meal room afterwards, and we were all so happy to see him. So I think he's definitely been helping the most, it's fair to say.' Reports of Sarina Wiegman's ears burning are unconfirmed. Keira Walsh has called for more protection against online abuse after England teammate Jess Carter was the target of racist vitriol. 'I haven't had social media for the best part of four or five months, and I feel a lot better most of the time,' she said. 'I think obviously the girls are smart enough to know what they should and shouldn't be looking at, and I'm sure they'll know what is going to put them in a good headspace and what isn't. Do I think there's enough protection on social media? No, I don't, but I'm not going to be able to change that. That's not up to me, but I think just in general, people can be more protected on social media, and I think we can do more to stop that from happening.' Javier Hernández regrets 'any confusion or discomfort' his words may have caused, after being fined by the Mexican Football Federation for making sexist remarks on social media. Liga MX and Liga MX Femenil officials said the 37-year-old's comments were in violation of their gender and diversity policies and constituted a form of media violence. 'I am listening, reflecting, and committed to expressing myself with greater clarity and sensitivity, especially on such sensitive issues,' he parped. 'Change begins with oneself.' The WSL fixtures are out, out, out, and Sky Sports intend to schedule most of its live matches at 12pm in the new season. LAFC are sniffing around a move for Tottenham's Son Heung-min. As mentioned up top, James Trafford will not be moving to Tyneside, settling on Manchester City instead. And despite scoring one competitive goal since November 2023, loanee striker Evan Ferguson has hit the ground running at Roma – banging home four goals in a 9-0 pre-season friendly win over Serie D side UniPomeza. Suzanne Wrack considers what football can do to fight racism after England women's players opted to stop taking the knee before matches. Walsh v Bonmatí, defensive frailties and impact substitutes: Sophie Downey looks at where Sunday's Euro 2025 final could be won and lost. Patri Guijarro is the least-known of Spain's key midfield trio but she helps her teammates thrive for club and country, writes Alex Ibaceta. 'She doesn't care what people think' – Chloe Kelly is once again England's chief content generator and an unashamed icon, explains Jonathan Liew. Good news for England: in recent years, the team to play their semi-final first usually goes on to win the final. Tom Garry has been running the numbers. England's bumpy road to Basel echoes the men's team and their run to the Euro 2024 final – which they lost to Spain. Paul MacInnes connects the dots. Marcus Rashford's blockbuster loan to Barcelona means it's time for the 27-year-old to deliver at the highest level again, warns Jonathan Wilson. Over in the USA x 3, MLS teams are enjoying fewer home wins – but that's a good sign for the league's quality and competitiveness, cheers Ryan Baldi. And why not have a bang on the quiz of the week. All major tournament organisers live in fear of diplomatic incidents, and even before the London Olympics had begun, on this day in 2012, a careless misuse of flags had execs reaching for the crisis PR. A women's preliminary round match at Hampden Park between North Korea and Colombia was delayed by more than an hour after North Korea's players refused to play when a South Korean flag accompanied their team on the stadium's giant screen. 'Our players cannot be shown especially with other flags, especially the South Korean one,' roared the coach, Ui Gun-sin. 'We will apologise to the team and the National Olympic Committee and steps will be taken to ensure this does not happen again,' groaned the organising committee.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Alan Shearer takes aim at Newcastle for 'ridiculous' Alexander Isak injury briefing just hours before transfer bombshell as club legend suggests star striker WILL leave this summer
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has blasted his former club for announcing that Alexander Isak would not be part of their preseason tour for injury reasons, just hours before the striker told the Magpies wish to leave. Mail Sport exclusively reported on Thursday that Isak, who has not travelled with the squad on their preseason tour of the Far East, is keen to leave Newcastle for a new challenge amid interest from Premier League champions Liverpool. Just hours before the bombshell dropped, Newcastle claimed that Isak was not part of their preseason trip due to a thigh injury - a decision which Shearer has now branded 'ridiculous' and 'disappointing'. The club said on X, formerly Twitter: 'Eddie Howe has an almost fully-fit squad to choose from, however Alexander Isak misses out with a minor thigh injury. 'Lewis Hall is available following an injury lay-off and could feature in South Korea.' Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: 'It's ridiculous what Newcastle put out this morning to say he wasn't on the trip because of a slight thigh injury. The club announced that the striker would be absent from the tour with a 'minor thigh injury' 'If they thought people wouldn't see through that… it was disappointing. They should've just told the truth straight away. I understand it's a very difficult situation for them but it is what it is. ' Eddie Howe has to use all his persuasive powers to do what he can and try to make him stay at least one more year. If that can't happen then it is what it is. You have to get the very best deal for the football club and if someone is prepared to pay north of £150million, and if he really, really wants to go, you can't step in his way. 'Isak has been brilliant for Newcastle, helped us achieve our dream of winning a trophy and if there's no way whatsoever that he can be persuaded to stay at Newcastle, then they have to get the best deal possible and if someone's prepared to pay what they want, you have to say thank you and build for the future. 'There's no individual bigger than the football club.' Leading the line at No 9, Isak helped guide Newcastle to their first major domestic trophy in 70 years, winning the Carabao Cup in March, and qualify for the Champions League with a fifth place finish in the Premier League last term. Despite the Swede's wish to leave, Eddie Howe and the Newcastle board are eager to keep Isak at St James' Park and would like to agree fresh terms with the striker, even if it leads to an exit next summer. But Shearer has conceded that Isak will likely depart St James' Park this summer, admitting that the 'news came out very strongly'. He added: 'It sounds like he's going to leave. The news came out very strongly this morning and when that happens it seems to be a reality. 'Player's leave football clubs all the time and get replaced. If that's the case here, it's disappointing but you have to say thank you and move on. 'If Eddie can persuade him to stay, it'll be great but if he can't, it'll be very disappointing because Newcastle would be losing a world class player.' In total, Isak has scored 62 goals from 109 matches for Newcastle and, under Howe, has developed into one of the most coveted strikers in world football. Any sale would command a British record in excess of the £116m Liverpool paid for Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen last month.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Alan Shearer's telling comment as Alexander Isak informs Newcastle he wants to explore move
Alan Shearer has reacted with shock after Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak was ruled out of the club's pre-season tour to Asia amid Liverpool's interest in the player Alan Shearer's reaction said it all after Newcastle United confirmed Alexander Isak will not be part of the club's pre-season tour. The prolific striker, who has been heavily linked with Liverpool, has told the Magpies he is keen to explore a move away from the club. That bombshell emerged shortly after it was confirmed that Isak would be absent from the club's tour to Asia. Eddie Howe's side will play Arsenal in Singapore and Tottenham in Seoul, South Korea. A minor thigh issue was cited as the reason for the Swede's absence. When Newcastle 's touring party, minus Isak, was announced by the club on its Instagram feed, club icon Shearer commented with a stunned face emoji. Meanwhile, Magpies fans criticised the club's handling of the situation, with some arguing he should have travelled even if he does have a niggle. One said: 'Even if Isak is injured, you take him on the tour to build the brand. As a club asset to gain fans, you take him to meet and greets and public events, even if he's not on the bench. No way that he's been left out for any other reason than to be available for sale and medicals without flying halfway across the planet.' Another posted: 'This whole Isak situation is being handled terribly by the club, it's making us as fans look like mugs. The elephant in the room needs to be addressed. Regardless of injury, he should travel with the team (if he even is injured), it's just causing more speculation about him leaving than it's worth. Disappointing news.' A third demanded: 'Time Isak spoke to the fans, I think he owes us that.' Another said: 'Surely you take him on tour regardless of injury? Unless it's something where he'd doing rehabilitation or been told not to fly. Need some answers soon mind!' While Newcastle are under no pressure to sell their prized asset, who is valued at in excess of £120million, they may have no option but to cash in now Isak has expressed a desire to leave. While Liverpool are heading the chase for his signature, there is believed to be interest elsewhere, including from Saudi side Al Hilal, who, like Newcastle, are owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Howe addressed the speculation around his star striker as he explained why he wasn't involved in last weekend's friendly at Celtic. Isak had travelled to Glasgow with the squad, only to be sent home. The Newcastle boss said: 'It was my decision. He travelled back to Glasgow with us, but I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. Howe added: 'Yes, I've had discussions with him, but that's not abnormal. I respect a player's career and how short it is. Alex has been really good, he's trained really well and I realise there'll be noise around him. 'We have a few of those players who are irreplaceable. Your top players are so hard to find, so hard to recruit and so hard to develop. 'So when you have them, you need to treasure them. Of course, we're desperate to keep him as part of our team. I think it's difficult for me to ever give 100 per cent clarity on any player, I'd never do that. 'All I can say is Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team. I've never had any issue with him and I'm confident he's going to be here at the start of the season.' However, since those words, the landscape has shifted considerably, with Isak looking increasingly likely to be moving on.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Done Deal: Fabrizio Romano confirms another big Chelsea transfer deal this week
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed another big done Chelsea transfer deal for this summer over night. Chelsea are in an incredible spot right now after winning The Club World Cup on Sunday night, and you'd suspect we will see an aftermath of this in many situations. EXCLUSIVE! Chelsea still planning to buy in end of window surge! Former player turned pundit Alan Shearer is already tipping Chelsea to be Premier League challengers next season after the Club World Cup triumph. And Blues co-owner Todd Boehly has been speaking to the media this week and has thanked Chelsea fans for sticking with him along the way (although not sure they have all entirely done that). The reactions have been huge, and Chelsea will now get busy in the transfer market. Penders deal done Mike Penders with a Chelsea news logo. (Photo by) Goalkeeper Mike Penders is joining Strasbourg on loan from Chelsea this season as expected, with Romano putting the latest out on that on his X account late last night. He says: 'Mike Penders deal, done and set to be sealed as Chelsea goalkeeper will join Strasbourg on loan. 'Agreement in place for next season while Chelsea see Penders as top talent for the future.' Big future ahead It's very clear that Penders has a big future ahead of him and is highly rated not just by Chelsea, but by everyone in the footballing world. I think this move to play in Ligue 1 as Strasbourg number one next season is going to be a very smart move for him. He needs to gain solid experience and develop as a regular number one in a big league and he will get to do that here. Penders has been compared to Thibaut Courtois and you can certainly see why.
