Former Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has urged the Magpies to prioritize strengthening their attack this summer, suggesting that several recent signings have failed to deliver for manager Eddie Howe.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, Given didn't hold back in his assessment of Newcastle's recruitment last summer, pointing to three specific players—Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga, and Yoane Wissa—as examples of transfers that simply haven't worked out.

"Woltemade is a different kind of striker—a nine, a 10—I don't know what he is, if I'm brutally honest," Given said. "I'm not sure he's suited to how Eddie Howe sets up his team, especially without the ball as much as with it."

The former shot-stopper also highlighted Wissa's struggles, noting that even at the weekend the forward missed a big chance. As for Elanga, Given observed that he "looks like a different player" compared to his previous form.

Given pointed to deeper issues behind the poor recruitment, citing a lack of leadership at the club last summer. "No director of football, no CEO—a lot of missing links," he explained. "I think Eddie's season has sort of taken the brunt of that."

With Newcastle looking to bounce back and compete for European places again, Given's message is clear: "A lot of players will have to come and go this season to go again." For a club looking to build on recent progress, the summer window could be pivotal for Howe and his squad.