Newcastle United's former striker Alan Shearer has launched a fierce attack on the club's handling of their summer recruitment campaign.
The Magpies legend described their pre-season preparations as "a nightmare", pointing to their inability to secure key transfer targets.
Shearer pulled no punches in his assessment, telling the BBC: "So far, Newcastle's pre-season has been a nightmare. There is no other way of describing it.
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"They have had a disastrous transfer window, missing out on every one of their top targets they went for, and on top of that they have got Alexander Isak's situation hanging over them as they get ready for the opening weekend."
Alan Shearer has not liked how Newcastle has navigated this transfer window | PA The Premier League club's organisational structure has come under scrutiny from Shearer, who expressed astonishment at their failure to fill crucial executive positions. Despite knowing since September that Darren Eales would be departing as chief executive, the role remains vacant 11 months later.
The sporting director position has also been empty since Paul Mitchell's departure at the end of June.
He added: "Newcastle went into the summer with no chief executive or sporting director, which I find amazing.
"They knew Darren Eales was stepping down as chief executive last September - 11 months ago - and Paul Mitchell left as sporting director at the end of June.
"I don't know why they haven't appointed anyone yet or if that has hindered them in the transfer market, because I am not inside the club, but from the outside it is not a good look.
The former England star branded the situation "a mess" and questioned who was responsible for making critical decisions at the club.
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| GETTYAdding to Newcastle's woes, record signing Alexander Isak is reportedly pushing for a transfer to Liverpool, creating further uncertainty for the Tyneside club.
The Swedish striker's potential departure would leave a significant gap in Newcastle's attacking options.
Shearer has identified potential replacements, suggesting that Yoane Wissa and Ollie Watkins would be ideal acquisitions.
"If they are available, Brentford's Yoane Wissa and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins are proven Premier League strikers and probably the best-case scenario from Newcastle's point of view," he said.
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Newcastle are currently pursuing Wissa, with expectations that a transfer could materialise.
Shearer acknowledged the parallels between Wissa's circumstances and Isak's situation, noting that such scenarios are commonplace in football.
Despite the transfer window difficulties, Newcastle have managed to secure some new additions to their squad.
Winger Anthony Elanga, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Antonito Cordero have all joined the club.
Alexander Isak has been heavily rumoured with Liverpool over the past month | PAThe Magpies are also close to completing a deal for AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, with the two clubs reaching an agreement worth approximately £34.3million.
These signings come as Newcastle prepare for their Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
The match will provide an early test of whether the club can overcome their turbulent summer preparations and compete effectively despite missing out on their primary transfer targets.