JUST IN: Newcastle set to make bid to sign “incredible” £40m CF, he’s more prolific than Jackson
Newcastle United’s Striker Conundrum: Wissa vs. Jackson in the Race to Replace Isak
As the summer transfer window edges towards its deadline on 1 September, one of the burning questions around St James’ Park is simple but pressing: Who will Newcastle United have leading the line when the dust settles?
The uncertainty stems largely from the ongoing saga surrounding Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker has been absent throughout pre-season and is said to be furious after being informed in no uncertain terms that he is not for sale this summer and will not be allowed to leave Tyneside. This firm stance from the club has not only created tension but also placed Newcastle in a difficult position.
While they have been adamant about keeping Isak, the Magpies have also been exploring striker options to bolster their attacking ranks. Unfortunately, their pursuit has been anything but smooth. Hugo Ekitiké opted to join Liverpool instead, while Benjamin Šeško confirmed his move to Manchester United over the weekend, delivering a double blow to Newcastle’s recruitment plans.
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A New Direction in the Search?
With two top targets already out of reach, the question now is whether Newcastle will dust off the files on a long-standing target or pivot towards another proven Premier League option.
Reports from Jason Burt of The Telegraph suggest that Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea is firmly in Newcastle’s sights. The Senegalese forward, who has found himself surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge after the arrivals of Liam Delap and João Pedro, has reportedly been told he can leave this summer. Jackson, training separately from Chelsea’s first-team squad at Cobham, is believed to favour a move to Newcastle. Chelsea are said to value him at around £65 million.
However, there may be another name gaining traction behind the scenes — Yoane Wissa of Brentford. According to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Newcastle are preparing an improved offer for the DR Congo international, having seen a £25 million bid rejected earlier in the summer. Brentford are holding firm on a valuation closer to £40 million, but with Wissa reportedly pushing for the switch, the deal could yet be revived before deadline day.
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The Case for Wissa Over Jackson
From a purely statistical standpoint, Yoane Wissa enjoyed a remarkable 2024/25 campaign. His return of 19 Premier League goals placed him among the division’s elite strikers — a tally that stood shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the league’s most celebrated finishers.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been vocal about Wissa’s natural ability, calling him “best as a number nine” and praising his “remarkable nose for goals.” Analyst Mark Bruce of Breaking the Lines went even further, labelling him one of the most “underrated” players in the Premier League, highlighting his resilience and steady improvement since arriving in English football.
When compared to Nicolas Jackson, Wissa’s output is telling:
Nine more league goals than Jackson last season.
A superior goals-per-90 rate.
Stronger metrics in expected goals, shot accuracy, and big chances converted.
While Jackson did edge Wissa in chance creation statistics, the Brentford man’s clinical edge and consistency stand out, especially considering Brentford finished six places below Chelsea in the league table.
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Financial and Tactical Sense
With Brentford’s asking price at least £25 million less than Chelsea’s valuation for Jackson, Newcastle could acquire Wissa and still have significant funds left to strengthen other parts of the squad. That budget flexibility could prove vital, especially as Malick Thiaw’s arrival from AC Milan — expected to cost around £30 million — inches closer to completion.
Given his proven Premier League scoring record, lower price tag, and willingness to move, Wissa could represent the smart, balanced choice for Newcastle — the kind of deal that not only addresses their attacking needs but also leaves room for reinforcements elsewhere.
If the Magpies can pull it off, they may find themselves with a forward capable of delivering goals immediately, even as the Isak saga rumbles on.