BBC claim 20-goal striker wants to join Newcastle – £40m deal & personal terms ‘not an issue’
Eddie Howe Confirms Newcastle United’s Pursuit of New Striker Amid Frustrating Transfer Window
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has confirmed that the club remains in the market for a new striker during the summer transfer window. The goal is not only to strengthen the frontline but also to support and complement star forward Alexander Isak, who is expected to continue leading the Magpies’ attack next season.
The need for reinforcements has grown more urgent following the departure of veteran striker Callum Wilson, who was released earlier in the window. Wilson’s exit has left a noticeable gap in the attacking department, particularly in terms of experience and depth behind Isak.
However, Newcastle’s efforts to sign a high-quality striker have been met with disappointment on multiple fronts. Several priority targets have slipped through the club’s grasp in recent weeks. Hugo Ekitike, once considered a top option, rejected a lucrative £69.5 million bid from Newcastle, with Eintracht Frankfurt opting to hold out for a higher fee. The door was then left open for Liverpool, who swooped in and agreed a deal potentially worth £79 million, including performance-related add-ons.
Newcastle also tried to bring in Joao Pedro, but their £50 million bid was rejected by Brighton & Hove Albion. Chelsea then capitalised on the situation by negotiating a deal for the Brazilian forward.
Similarly, Liam Delap, who had a £30 million release clause at Ipswich Town, was a target Newcastle pursued with real intent. Despite the financial terms being feasible and positive discussions taking place, the young English striker ultimately chose to sign for Chelsea as well, leaving the Magpies with another missed opportunity.
With multiple targets now off the table, Newcastle have been forced to reassess their options. One name that has consistently emerged in their scouting reports is Brentford forward Yoane Wissa. The DR Congo international enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 campaign, scoring 20 goals in all competitions, including a brace against Newcastle.
In fact, in terms of open-play goals in the Premier League last season, only Liverpool star Mohamed Salah bettered Wissa’s tally. The 28-year-old’s versatility — being able to play centrally as a lone striker or operate from the flanks — makes him an attractive proposition for Newcastle, as well as other Premier League clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be monitoring Wissa closely, while Nottingham Forest have reportedly had an opening bid rejected by Brentford. The situation is further complicated by Brentford’s recent £71 million sale of Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United. Sources close to the club had previously indicated that only one of Wissa or Mbeumo would be allowed to leave this summer, meaning Brentford may now be reluctant to sanction Wissa’s departure unless their valuation is met.
Adding to the intrigue is Wissa’s contract situation. He turns 29 in September and is entering the final year of his current deal, although Brentford do retain an option to extend it by an additional year. The club would prefer to negotiate a fresh long-term deal with the player to protect his value, but according to BBC Sport, Wissa has so far declined to engage in any new contract talks. Instead, the forward is reportedly keen on pursuing a new challenge, and sources suggest personal terms with either Newcastle or Tottenham would not be an obstacle should a transfer agreement be reached.
Back at St. James’ Park, Newcastle have made only one marquee signing this summer: Anthony Elanga, who joined from Nottingham Forest in a deal worth £55 million. Although Elanga is viewed as a promising addition, Howe admits that he had hoped to make more progress in the transfer market by this point in the window.
Speaking candidly after Newcastle’s 4-0 pre-season defeat at Celtic Park, Howe said:
> “My wish was for us to do our business early, and we certainly tried, but it wasn’t to be. We’ve had a frustrating time in terms of losing targets to other clubs, and I’d be very open with that.
That’s happened on several occasions. You just have to accept it. In order for a transfer to really work, in my opinion, the player has to be desperate to come to your club, and if we don’t get that, the transfer doesn’t work.
We’re seeking players that are good enough, that are desperate to come, and that can make the difference — but they’re in short supply for us right now. We’re confident that we can still get some more players in to strengthen the depth of the squad. We’re certainly aware that we need to, and we’re trying as hard as we can to do that.”
As Newcastle continue to chase reinforcements, it remains to be seen whether they can land Wissa or pivot successfully to another viable option. With time ticking in the summer transfer window, the pressure is mounting to deliver the firepower that could help the Magpies climb even higher in the Premier League next season.