With the new Premier League season fast approaching, the club are still scrambling to resolve their issues at centre-forward.
Key striker Alexander Isak has made it clear he has no plans to return to the fold, regardless of whether a sale is agreed before the transfer window closes.
The Swede’s stance comes after a long-running saga triggered by strong interest from Liverpool.
The Magpies have insisted a deal will only be sanctioned if a replacement is secured, yet the clock is ticking.
Newcastle’s chase for Benjamin Šeško ended in disappointment when the Slovenian chose Manchester United, and though Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson remains on their shortlist, his signing is far from certain.
Above all these pursuits, the overriding priority remains the same: securing a striker ready to lead the line without delay.
That mission has now taken Newcastle towards a different striker profile – one defined by strength, aggression, and a direct edge that starkly contrasts with Isak’s elegance and technical flair.
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Newcastle are poised to table an offer for FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa, labelled by scout Jacek Kulig as “a true beast in the making.”
Porto are understandably unwilling to lose their star man, especially this late in the market, but are bracing themselves for offers after the 21-year-old’s exceptional campaign in Portugal.
Since joining from Atlético Madrid last summer for around £15 million, Samu has scored 27 goals in 45 matches, including 19 in the league and six in the Europa League.
At 1.93m tall, he combines power with speed, making him a constant attacking menace.
Porto are holding firm on a £70m price tag, strengthened by Atlético Madrid’s 50% sell-on clause, which complicates any potential transfer.
Samu is reportedly open to a Premier League switch, attracted by its competitiveness and exposure, but remains content to stay in Portugal if no move emerges.
For Newcastle, his blend of physical dominance, direct style, and clinical finishing could be exactly what is needed to replace Isak while keeping their attacking shape intact.
His 5.45 touches in the opposition box per match highlight a forward who thrives on the shoulder of defenders, while his pressing game – in the 73rd percentile for interceptions – underlines his defensive contribution.
While both Isak and Samu are prolific centre-forwards, their styles contrast sharply.
Isak relies on close control and swift footwork to navigate tight spaces.
He is adept at link-up play, often dropping deep to involve teammates in attacks, and finishes calmly with either foot.
His smart positioning and subtle movement make him hard to track, creating space for runners like Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon.
He thrives on physical battles, backing into defenders to hold possession before turning into space.
His aerial ability is matched by explosive acceleration, making him lethal in counter-attacks.
Unlike Isak’s composed approach, Samu looks to disrupt backlines with relentless pressure, using his body to win duels and his pace to punish gaps.
Statistically, Samu’s greater shot volume and penalty-area involvement mark him as the direct endpoint of attacks, while Isak excels at creating opportunities for both himself and others.
Transitioning between the two would necessitate tactical tweaks.
Newcastle may lean towards quicker transitions, focusing on Samu’s power instead of the intricate build-up play designed for Isak.
The club’s summer recruitment has already been driven by necessity.
With Šeško gone and other targets contested, the options are limited, but Samu’s attributes stand apart.
If Newcastle get the deal done, they won’t have a carbon copy of Isak, but a completely new kind of attacking weapon – one who can bully defenders, dominate in the air, and finish with elite precision.
Whether that shift will enhance the Magpies’ front line or require an adaptation period remains to be seen – but in the immediate term, it could be the bold, forceful move needed to keep their campaign alive.
