The transfer battle is intensifying. No matter what happens with Alexander Isak, Newcastle United still require a centre-forward with the September 1 deadline rapidly approaching.
Eddie Howe has acknowledged that efforts remain ongoing to replace Callum Wilson, after setbacks in pursuits of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo.
“We’re pushing hard on signings,” Howe revealed. “I wouldn’t say we’re very close. There’s some time left but it will disappear quickly.
“Our squad is in a healthy place. But we’re still intent on replacing Callum Wilson, that remains the primary position we’re addressing.”
The group of strikers capable of improving Newcastle continues to shrink. It may soon come down to whichever option is accessible – but who should they prioritise?
Our writers’ panel were each handed £60m to play out a Football Manager scenario – here’s who they would choose. Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Sean McCormick
With the deadline nearing, Newcastle must bring in a striker urgently, whatever Alexander Isak’s future may be.
The Magpies have still not replaced Callum Wilson following his confirmed departure last month. They need a player ready to lead the line if Isak leaves, while also able to cover effectively should the Swede remain at St James’ Park.
From the realistic targets available, and given the difficulties luring Yoane Wissa from Brentford, Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen looks the best fit.
The 25-year-old matches Howe’s requirements in terms of physicality, and he struck 14 Premier League goals last season for a Wolves side who struggled.
That’s two more than Liam Delap managed, and four better than Joao Pedro, whom Newcastle valued at £60m earlier this year.
Since he only made his move to Wolves permanent this summer, the Midlands club will likely demand a hefty fee for the Norwegian.
But with Newcastle still lacking an out-and-out No. 9 at this stage, it could be a cost worth meeting.
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Stuart Jamieson
As the deadline looms, transfer fees for strikers will only keep rising. Wolves are within reason to request a premium for Strand Larsen – though £60m is close to Arsenal’s deal for Eberechi Eze.
Newcastle may be wiser pursuing strikers whose clubs are open to selling, and in my opinion, Atletico Madrid forward Alexander Sorloth fits that mould.
True, his Crystal Palace spell in 2018 was poor, but since then he has developed into a quality goalscorer. Atletico reportedly value him at £30m after his 24-goal campaign. That feels like a punt worth taking.
Ross Gregory
The longer this saga continues, the more Nicolas Jackson appears the answer. Most importantly, he is the only name on this list who seems genuinely obtainable – but that’s not the sole reason.
The Senegalese forward is inconsistent. Sometimes he looks like a Papiss Cisse graduate with his offside runs, and his discipline has hurt him. In two seasons he collected 17 yellow cards, only three for fouls, with the rest for dissent, arguing and time-wasting.
Even so, he scored 13 times last term, nine within the first 16 matches, for a major Premier League club. The year before he netted 17 across all competitions as a 22-year-old newcomer. That’s a respectable return.
His tireless energy and pressing were trademarks for Chelsea. Averaging 25.5 sprints a game, he ranked third in the division. In Howe’s high-tempo system, that makes him a strong fit.
At only 24, Jackson has time to refine his game, cut out errors, and sharpen his finishing under Howe’s coaching. If Newcastle secure him for about £55m, it would represent solid business.
