Newcastle United`s summer transfer activity continues with a focused search for attacking reinforcements. Having identified João Pedro as a key target earlier in the window, the club saw the versatile Brazilian opt for a move to Chelsea for a fee reported to be around £60 million. This development necessitated a pivot in strategy as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his forward options.
While the Magpies have secured the signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in a £52 million deal, bolstering the wide areas, the requirement for a central striker remains. The current focus appears to be on finding a player capable of providing genuine competition for, or potentially partnering with, the established number nine, Alexander Isak.
Evaluating the Striker Landscape
Various forwards have been linked with a move to Tyneside. Eintracht Frankfurt`s Hugo Ekitiké, previously a target, is reportedly valued at a staggering €100 million (£85 million), a price point considered prohibitive by Newcastle and other interested parties. On the other hand, a free agent option like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, recently departed from Everton, may not quite align with the performance profile Howe seeks for a significant role in his squad.
Amidst these considerations, attention is reportedly turning towards Brentford`s prolific forward, Yoane Wissa. According to reports, the 28-year-old is attracting significant Premier League interest, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also mentioned as potential suitors. Tottenham are believed to be leading preliminary discussions, but Newcastle and Manchester United are actively “exploring the market” for a centre-forward, suggesting competition is likely.
Yoane Wissa: Profile and Potential
Wissa carries a reported price tag of £50 million. This figure reflects his proven capability in the English top flight since joining Brentford from Lorient in 2021 for a modest £8.5 million. Over the past season, he significantly increased his output, scoring 19 goals and providing five assists across 35 Premier League appearances, stepping up as a key attacker for the Bees. Brentford manager Thomas Frank notably described his partnership with Bryan Mbeumo as `unplayable` after a dominant performance that included a victory against Newcastle themselves – a potentially awkward detail for any future transfer negotiation, one might imagine.
What makes Wissa particularly appealing to Newcastle, especially in the context of their interest in João Pedro, is his versatility and dynamic playing style. While primarily operating as a centre-forward, he has also featured effectively as a left winger, right winger, and occasionally in an attacking midfield role for Brentford. This adaptability aligns well with Eddie Howe`s tactical requirements.
Intriguingly, data analysis platforms like FBref draw comparisons between Wissa and Newcastle`s own Alexander Isak. Wissa ranks highly among European strikers for metrics such as goals scored, pass completion, and progressive carries per 90 minutes. While Isak is a truly elite forward, known for his intelligent movement and threat beyond just goals (scoring 27 across all competitions last season), Wissa possesses a complementary skill set of pace, power, and technical ability that could make him an excellent addition.
As Newcastle prepares to navigate the demands of European competition alongside domestic campaigns, squad depth and quality are paramount. A player like Wissa, with his Premier League track record, goalscoring prowess, and positional flexibility, could be an ideal candidate to provide robust cover and competition for Isak, or even allow for fluid attacking setups.
Securing Wissa`s signature at £50 million amidst rival interest would represent a significant investment, but it could also be the decisive step in completing Newcastle`s attacking puzzle for the upcoming season.
