[[Alan Shearer]] spoke to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan about the challenges ahead for Newcastle United following Eddie Howe's departure. He expressed gratitude for Howe's tenure, noting how he ended the club's long wait for a major trophy with their Carabao Cup victory in 2025. Despite finishing fourth, seventh, and fifth in the next three seasons under Howe, Shearer acknowledged it was disappointing that Newcastle did not finish higher. The timing of Howe leaving is significant-three weeks into pre-season, just before the Premier League season restarts-and Shearer speculates that his departure may be influenced by the club's recent selling of key players like Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. He also mentions speculation about Bruno Guimaraes' future, suggesting it could have impacted Howe's decision to leave. The article highlights Newcastle's changing approach in terms of its owners' aims and transfer strategy, which seems more focused on selling players rather than competing at the top level as they did previously.