Alan Shearer Blasts Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof for Accepting Everton January Move Instead of Newcastle United
Alan Shearer, the legendary former striker for both Newcastle United and the England national team, has never been one to shy away from offering his candid opinions on the Premier League. Recently, Shearer voiced his displeasure over Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof’s decision to accept a move to Everton in January, instead of a reported opportunity to join his former club, Newcastle United.
Lindelof, who has struggled to maintain a consistent place in Manchester United’s starting lineup under Erik ten Hag, was widely believed to be on the radar of several Premier League clubs in the upcoming transfer window. With the Swedish defender increasingly relegated to a backup role at Old Trafford, speculation around his future intensified in the final months of 2023.
Reports indicated that Newcastle, with their growing ambitions under manager Eddie Howe, were one of the clubs interested in securing Lindelof’s services. Newcastle’s defense, though solid, had been under scrutiny at times, and the addition of a player with Lindelof’s experience was seen as a valuable asset to the Magpies’ squad. However, it was Everton, rather than Newcastle, that reportedly won the race for Lindelof’s signature. The news has irked Shearer, who didn’t hold back when expressing his frustration with Lindelof’s decision to join a club that is currently battling relegation, rather than a team that is challenging for European qualification.
### Shearer’s Disappointment with Lindelof’s Decision
Shearer, who is often vocal about his love for Newcastle United, felt that Lindelof missed a golden opportunity by choosing Everton over his old club. “It’s disappointing to see Lindelof choose Everton over Newcastle,” Shearer commented on his BBC Sport podcast. “Newcastle are on the rise, playing exciting football, and they have a genuine chance at competing in Europe. Everton, on the other hand, are in a relegation fight. It’s a baffling decision for me.”
Lindelof, who made a £30 million move to Manchester United from Benfica in 2017, has had a mixed tenure at Old Trafford. Despite some strong performances, he has often been relegated to the role of a backup, behind the likes of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. It has been clear that his long-term future at the club is uncertain, and with Manchester United needing to make squad adjustments, Lindelof’s departure was anticipated.
Newcastle, under the ownership of the Saudi-backed consortium, have made remarkable strides since their takeover, qualifying for the Champions League in 2023 and showing significant improvement in their squad depth. Eddie Howe, the club’s manager, has built a strong foundation, with the likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, and Alexander Isak playing pivotal roles in their rise. In contrast, Everton have been in turmoil for some time. The club has seen managerial changes, inconsistent performances, and are struggling near the relegation zone. It’s a situation Shearer feels Lindelof should have avoided.
“Newcastle have shown they are moving in the right direction,” Shearer continued. “Their squad is full of potential and ambition. They are in the Champions League, competing at the highest level, and Lindelof could’ve been a part of that success. But instead, he’s chosen to go to Everton, where things are much more uncertain. That tells you a lot about his priorities.”
### The Newcastle United Factor
Newcastle’s interest in Lindelof was seen as part of a larger effort by Eddie Howe to strengthen the squad in key areas, including defense. After successfully integrating players like Sven Botman, who has been a revelation at the heart of the defense, Lindelof could have added valuable depth and experience to the Magpies’ backline.
The potential of pairing Lindelof with Botman or even adding him as a backup for the ever-dependable Fabian Schär and Dan Burn was an appealing prospect. His familiarity with playing in the Premier League, along with his versatility in central defense, made him an ideal candidate to help strengthen Newcastle’s squad ahead of a hectic calendar, including their Champions League commitments.
However, Shearer argued that Lindelof’s move to Everton could be seen as a missed opportunity to further his career and challenge for higher honors. The Magpies’ recent success, driven by their high-pressing, organized football, contrasted sharply with Everton’s troubles. Despite the financial backing of the club’s owners, Everton are currently embroiled in a fierce relegation battle, and their form has been inconsistent under manager Sean Dyche.
“At Newcastle, Lindelof could have helped propel the team further up the Premier League table, with the chance to play in Europe’s premier competition. Instead, he’s chosen a club that’s struggling to stay in the Premier League,” Shearer reflected. “You’d expect a player of his quality to be looking for a move that matches his ambition. Unfortunately, Everton doesn’t offer that.”
### Lindelof’s Motivations
It is important to note that the reasons behind a player’s decision to move are often more complex than simply footballing ambition. Financial incentives, playing time, and personal preferences all play significant roles in these decisions. Lindelof may have seen Everton as a more straightforward opportunity to secure consistent playing time, which has been increasingly difficult to come by at Manchester United.
Sean Dyche, Everton’s manager, will likely offer Lindelof the chance to be a regular starter at Goodison Park, an opportunity that might not have been guaranteed at Newcastle due to the competition for places in the team. The defender may also have been motivated by the chance to play under a manager with a reputation for getting the best out of his defenders.
While Lindelof’s decision to move to Everton may offer him greater security in terms of a first-team role, it is unlikely to offer the same level of success that could have been achieved at a club like Newcastle, which is on the up. Shearer’s frustration lies in the fact that Newcastle, with their newfound financial power and ambitions, represent a much more appealing destination for a player looking to further his career.
### Conclusion
Alan Shearer’s frustration with Victor Lindelof’s decision to move to Everton over Newcastle United is rooted in the belief that Lindelof has opted for a less ambitious path at a time when Newcastle United is rapidly becoming one of the Premier League’s top sides. While Everton may offer him a more prominent role, Shearer’s perspective is clear: Lindelof has missed an opportunity to be part of something special at St. James’ Park. As Newcastle continue their upward trajectory in the Premier League, Shearer’s disappointment reflects the missed chance for Lindelof to be a part of that success.
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