Newcastle and PIF now move to sign fast well-rounded striker compared to Gyokeres
As speculation surrounding Alexander Isak’s future continues to intensify, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has offered some clarity—though not without a hint of uncertainty—regarding the Swedish striker’s exclusion from the latest squad.
Speaking to the press, Howe was inevitably asked about his decision to leave Isak out of the matchday lineup and whether the prolific forward would remain at St James’ Park beyond the summer transfer window. The Magpies boss explained:
> “It was a decision I made personally. Alexander traveled back to Glasgow with the squad, but after assessing the situation, I thought it was best to send him home. There’s a lot of speculation swirling around him right now, and the last thing he needed was to be sitting in the stands, watching from the sidelines. That wouldn’t have been fair to him.”
Despite the swirling rumours, Howe attempted to reassure fans by adding:
> “Look, I can’t give a 100 percent guarantee on any player in today’s market. But what I do know is that Alex is happy here. He enjoys playing for Newcastle, he has a strong bond with the players, the coaching staff, and he’s fully integrated into the team culture. I’m confident he’ll still be with us when the new season kicks off.”
While Isak’s situation remains uncertain, Newcastle United and their ambitious Saudi-backed owners, PIF (Public Investment Fund), are not standing still. The club continues to explore attacking reinforcements in the transfer market. With Liverpool now emerging as favourites to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike—another player previously on Newcastle’s radar—the Magpies are pivoting toward a new high-profile target from Ligue 1.
According to Foot Mercato, Newcastle have now turned their attention to Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United. The 26-year-old French international spent the latter half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Juventus, where he impressed with his dynamism and end product in front of goal.
Juventus are reportedly making a strong effort to retain Kolo Muani on a permanent basis. Sources in Italy claim the Turin giants are “doing everything to convince him that their project is ideal for his career development.” However, their path to securing the forward is far from guaranteed, as both Newcastle and Manchester United have initiated formal contact with PSG regarding a potential transfer.
At St James’ Park, there’s a growing belief that Kolo Muani could be a game-changer for the team. The Magpies’ recruitment team is reportedly convinced that the Frenchman’s all-around attributes—his blistering pace, technical excellence, positional flexibility, and experience on the international stage—make him a perfect fit for their ongoing project to build a Champions League-calibre side.
Kolo Muani is not just any striker. His intelligence in link-up play, ability to operate across the front line, and sharp finishing make him a highly attractive option for top clubs across Europe. Football Transfers have even compared him to other elite forwards like Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres—who is currently being pursued by Arsenal—highlighting just how highly rated the Frenchman has become.
The possibility of seeing Kolo Muani line up alongside Isak—should the Swede stay—has Newcastle supporters dreaming of a lethal forward partnership. Between them, they would bring a blend of speed, technical finesse, and goal-scoring instinct that could terrorize Premier League defences.
During his brief stint in Serie A earlier this year, Kolo Muani found the back of the net 10 times and added three assists in just 22 appearances—a solid return that underlines his ability to adapt quickly to new environments. That kind of impact has only fueled interest in his services, and Newcastle’s pursuit of the Frenchman is shaping up to be one of the transfer stories to watch as the window unfolds.
While the uncertainty around Alexander Isak’s future continues to loom large, Eddie Howe remains publicly optimistic. Whether or not Isak stays, Newcastle appear determined to strengthen their attacking arsenal and continue their upward trajectory under PIF’s stewardship. The potential signing of Randal Kolo Muani would be a statement of intent—one that signals the Magpies mean business both in England and Europe.
With transfer talks heating up and the season just around the corner, all eyes will be on how Newcastle navigates these final crucial weeks of the window.