Shearer Rips “Overrated” £70m Star: “Nowhere Near Good Enough”

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has launched a blistering attack on summer signing Nick Woltemade, labeling the striker’s recent performances as “nowhere near good enough” following a toothless display against Manchester City. Shearer, who is rarely shy about demanding high standards at St. James’ Park, suggested that the nearly £70 million investment is quickly becoming a “major issue” for Eddie Howe.

​The criticism intensified after Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat to City in late February 2026. Woltemade, who has struggled to adapt since his big-money move, failed to record a single shot or touch in the opposition box during the match. Shearer was particularly incensed by the player’s lack of intensity, noting that he was “easily beaten” when attempting to press, leading directly to a City goal.

​”The money they spent on him—near £70 million—is staggering when you see this lack of impact,” Shearer fumed on Premier League Productions. “He looks lost. To have no touches in the box and get bullied off the ball like that? It’s a horror show. If he can’t show more fight, he shouldn’t be near the starting XI. He needs to go to the reserves and find some hunger.”

​While Howe has publicly defended the striker, Shearer insists that Newcastle cannot afford “passengers” if they want to maintain their European ambitions. For the club’s greatest-ever goalscorer, Woltemade’s “woeful” output is currently the biggest roadblock in Newcastle’s season.