Alan Shearer predicts Newcastle January signings despite Eddie Howe caution

Alan Shearer believes Newcastle United will be active in the January transfer window, despite Eddie Howe playing down expectations of major movement at St James’ Park.

With the window now open and Newcastle sitting 13th in the Premier League, Shearer expects reinforcements to arrive as the Magpies look to kick-start their season during what Howe has described as a “season-defining month”.

Speaking to Betfair, Alan Shearer suggested Newcastle will look to add depth and quality, even if results improve quickly.

“The transfer window is now open, and my guess is Newcastle will bring a couple in,” Shearer said. “Maybe another forward, midfielder, or defender to strengthen.

“If you talk to me next week and they get two or three wins, they could be in the top six and everything looking great.”

Shearer pointed to how quickly fortunes can change in the Premier League, referencing Fulham’s recent rise up the table as an example of momentum reshaping a season.

“If Newcastle can do that, it propels them up the table,” he added. “But I do expect movement there.”

While Shearer expects signings, Eddie Howe has been far more measured in his assessment of the market.

Asked about the possibility of marquee additions, Howe stressed the need for restraint and long-term planning.

“Marquee signing, I don't know quite what that means,” Howe said. “I don't think that's the desire in this month for various reasons, because I don't think it's a great month necessarily to make that kind of signing.

“Any signing that we do make in this window will restrict our ability to do business in the summer, so we've got to be really careful.”

Howe also pointed to Profit and Sustainability Rules as a major factor shaping Newcastle’s approach.

“We're still in that position where PSR will influence every decision that we make, so that's where we have to be really smart,” he explained.

Despite his cautious stance, Howe acknowledged that circumstances may dictate action.

“I don't think that's necessarily the wish in this month,” he said, “but I think our injury situation to a degree will impact what we do and don't do.”

With Newcastle competing across multiple fronts, squad depth is increasingly under strain.

Howe has warned his squad that the coming weeks could shape their entire campaign. Alongside Premier League fixtures, Newcastle face a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final and the chance to reach the Champions League last 16.

“It’s been a difficult season so far,” Howe admitted. “The points gap is minimal if we can put a run together. It’s a big if – consistency has probably been our failing this season.

“But this is the moment, and we’re running out of opportunities.”

For Howe, the challenge is clear: turn solid performances into a sustained run of results before the window closes.

Newcastle face a packed schedule that could rapidly alter their league position. Whether reinforcements arrive or not, Howe believes the next few weeks will define the club’s season.

Should Newcastle take advantage of January to strengthen now — or stick rigidly to Howe’s cautious long-term approach?