The £67m dream Newcastle United striker transfer link that's simply too good to be true
Newcastle United need to add at least one striker to their squad over the next two transfer windows.
After struggling to find his stride in the early weeks of the season, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is now a man in form.
After scoring an equaliser as Eddie Howe’s side fell to a 2-1 defeat at Chelsea last month, the Sweden international has gone on to find the net in four consecutive games and is showing signs of the sort of form that made him one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League last season. Isak’s improved output can be put down to his manager finding the right balance in midfield and wide areas - but the former Real Sociedad forward should also take great credit for being so prolific with the chances that fall his way.
It should not be forgotten Isak to carrying the brunt of the responsibility in the main role in the Magpies front three. The ongoing absence of England international Callum Wilson, who should return from injury after the international break, has meant the Swede has been the last-man standing for Howe.
When Isak suffered his own injury earlier in the season, Anthony Gordon was pressed into the number nine role and performed admirably but, at this point, seems more comfortable and effective in wide positions. William Osula was brought in during the summer but the former Sheffield United youngster is viewed as more of a ‘work-in-progress’ amongst the Magpies coaching staff and will be gradually eased into life at St. James’ Park.
The need for at least one more attacking option, and one that can be thrown into action immediately, is all too clear to see. Even if Wilson returns to top form and full fitness, there is a clear need to add further competition for Isak and to ensure Howe is not left caught short in such a crucial area of the pitch as he looks to guide Newcastle back into European competition this season.
There have been several players linked with moves to Tyneside and Jonathan David is a name that keeps cropping up as the January transfer window draws ever closer. The Lille and Canada forward has impressed throughout his time in France and, as it stands, will be out of contract at the end of the season, meaning there is potential for a cut-price January deal or a pre-contract agreement to be thrashed out before the forward makes a free transfer switch at the end of the season.
However, such a move would mean the Magpies seeing off competition from a whole host of European football’s biggest clubs after David impressed in Ligue 1 and in the Champions League this season. Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is another option that has been considered and, much like David, is currently out of contract at the end of the season.
However, the latest links have suggested Newcastle will be offered an opportunity to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray and has scored eight goals and provided four assists in nine appearances for the Turkish giants. Little is known what lies head for the Nigeria international, who will enter the final 12 months of his current contract when he returns to Napoli next summer.
Osimhen has been tentatively linked with a move to Newcastle over the last three years, with the most prominent links coming during the post-takeover haze in October 2021. Osimhen is one of the most feared forwards in European football when he is on form and he would certainly fit the bill if Newcastle were wanting to add a high-profile, prolific striker to their ranks.
However, the Magpies battle with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations are far from over, despite the unwanted sales of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson during the summer.
Osimhen would still command a sizeable transfer fee - some reports have suggest around £67m - despite heading towards a precarious stage of his current deal with the club he helped to a historic Serie A title win last year. Osimhen is reportedly earning over £200,000-a-week at Napoli, a figure that would outstrip any of his potential team-mates at Newcastle and would more than likely force the St. James’ Park hierarchy into a restructure of their wage bill. There is absolutely no doubt Osimhen would strengthen Eddie Howe’s squad - but with the Magpies still working hard to boost their squad with PSR in mind, this deal feels unlikely to happen at this point in time.