Newcastle United’s summer window began with a string of collapsed striker pursuits. They kept a long list of targets, yet were consistently beaten in their attempts to land all but two.

Supporters on Tyne side may argue that the Magpies ultimately succeeded, reinforcing across key positions to hand Eddie Howe a renewed squad for the season ahead.

However, the departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool cannot be glossed over; it is a crushing setback. Recognised among the elite forwards worldwide, Isak has only boosted the reigning Premier League champions.

Only months ago, the notion of Isak leaving for a club like Liverpool felt absurd, but it has happened, and Howe has had to remodel his fluid attack accordingly.

With just two points secured from their opening three league matches, failing to score in two of them, Newcastle need their additions to adapt rapidly, particularly after the decision was made to sanction Isak’s sale to Liverpool.

Since arriving in 2022, Isak has been one of the division’s most deadly finishers, trailing only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah for goals per game.

After earning a Champions League berth and toppling Liverpool to capture the Carabao Cup last term, Newcastle believed they had secured Isak’s loyalty, but the forward pushed hard for a move, straining ties with the club.

PIF entered the market adamant that their star man would stay, with nearly three years left on his contract.

Yet his strong remarks and refusal to feature forced their hand. The relationship with Howe’s squad fractured beyond repair.

At least, Newcastle secured Brentford hitman Yoane Wissa, though it is record buy Nick Woltemade who has been cast as Isak’s true successor following the Swede’s move to Liverpool.

United signed Woltemade from Stuttgart for £69m late in August, making him not only Isak’s replacement but their most expensive signing in history.

His capture effectively admitted defeat in the tug-of-war with Liverpool for Isak’s services. While he may not immediately replicate the departed star’s polish and versatility, the long-term upside is clear.

Analytics outlet FBref has reviewed his past 12 months and observed similarities with Isak, though Woltemade is less dynamic laterally, offering instead a powerful outlet in tight areas.

The data ranks him inside the top 1% of Europe’s strikers for touches in the penalty area, the top 5% for shot creation and dribbles, and the top 15% for progressive passes each game.

He may need refinement as a finisher, but compared with Wissa, who is expected to supply consistent goals after netting 19 last season, Woltemade brings broader attributes.

There is no denying his potential. Talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed his “unstoppable” outings for Germany’s U21s after shining with Stuttgart, hitting 12 goals in 17 Bundesliga starts.

Nevertheless, all this reflects only his initial impact and the faith that Howe can shape him into someone approaching Isak’s standard. He is not there yet.

For that reason, many will wonder if Newcastle paid over the odds for the 23-year-old. Their reputation meant inflated prices were inevitable, with rivals aware of their difficulties sourcing a striker of elite calibre.

According to Transfermarkt, Woltemade is valued at just €30m (roughly £26m), having scored 14 times across 70 Bundesliga outings, much of his development coming further down the ladder.

He helped Stuttgart win the DFB-Pokal last term and clearly carries promise, but expecting him to instantly replicate Isak’s influence at the top level is unrealistic.

This is emphasised by Isak’s £125m valuation, around £100m above Woltemade’s projected worth.

Had Wissa not arrived, Howe’s challenge in nurturing Woltemade would be greater. Context, however, makes the business look fairly shrewd.

Still, with a combined £124m outlay (add-ons included), pressure is intense on the pair to replace one world-class forward collectively.

As such, Woltemade must play like a proven Premier League star immediately, though that might hinder his smooth transition on Tyneside.

He should eventually thrive, but early struggles appear possible. Consider Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, another expensive striker criticised in his opening weeks. The Swede cost £64m, less than Woltemade, underlining the inflated market.