JUST IN: Newcastle readying record bid for £69m “monster”, he’s more exciting than Ramos & Wissa
If one moment could perfectly encapsulate Newcastle United’s turbulent summer, it was their opening-day performance in the Premier League.
The Magpies battled to a 0-0 draw against ten-man Aston Villa, a result that hardly shocked anyone given their ongoing transfer frustrations and the glaring absence of Alexander Isak. With the Swedish striker missing, the Toon looked short of that ruthless edge in front of goal – not toothless, but certainly lacking the kind of cutting quality only a player of Isak’s calibre can provide.
Newcastle’s recruitment team have spent much of the summer chasing high-profile names without success. From Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro to Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Šeško, the list of near-misses has grown longer by the week. While missing out on top targets is nothing new in football, the manner in which these pursuits have repeatedly collapsed has left Eddie Howe and his staff under real pressure to deliver before the window shuts.
Newcastle’s hunt for an Isak replacement
At the heart of Newcastle’s dilemma is whether they can adequately replace Isak should he depart. The most prominent name in the frame right now is Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, who has emerged as the club’s top attacking target. However, Brentford’s reluctance to lose him has complicated matters, particularly after the sale of Mbeumo to Manchester United earlier in the summer.
There is a growing belief, though, that Brentford will eventually sanction Wissa’s exit once they secure Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth. A deal for Wissa could progress quickly at that point, with The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope suggesting a breakthrough might even arrive this week.
Yet Wissa is not the only striker Newcastle are monitoring. Reports suggest the club have been encouraged to make a move for PSG’s Gonçalo Ramos. The Portuguese forward, who netted 19 times across all competitions last season, including ten in Ligue 1, would represent a slightly longer-term project given the adaptation required to the Premier League.
The Semenyo option – Newcastle’s potential statement signing
In parallel with their striker search, Newcastle have also turned attention to their wide options. Over the weekend, reports from Spain linked the Magpies with a potential record-breaking £69m move for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. Not only are Newcastle willing to put forward a huge fee, but they are also prepared to hand the Ghanaian international a lucrative contract and a starring role within Eddie Howe’s squad.
Semenyo’s appeal is obvious. Last season, he ranked among the most dangerous wide players in the Premier League. He registered 13 league goals and seven assists while taking more shots (125) than any other player in the division. Beyond the numbers, his style of play makes him a nightmare for defenders. Explosive, direct, and capable of operating effectively off either foot, Semenyo combines relentless work rate with flair and unpredictability.
Opening weekend only reinforced his growing reputation. Against Liverpool, he produced two sensational goals, including a dazzling solo effort that drew comparisons to Hatem Ben Arfa’s iconic strike against Bolton years ago. Picking the ball up deep in his own half, Semenyo surged past Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté before finishing coolly past Alisson. It was a statement of intent – a performance that underlined why Newcastle are so determined to prise him away from the South Coast.
What these players would bring to Newcastle
Should Newcastle succeed in bringing Wissa and Ramos to St James’ Park, they would add much-needed firepower to offset the loss of Isak. Wissa, in particular, has already proven his ability in England, hitting 19 Premier League goals last season. Ramos, meanwhile, offers pedigree and a knack for scoring in big moments, though he may need more time to settle.
Semenyo, though, is the kind of player who could transform Newcastle’s attack beyond simply replacing goals. His creativity, direct running, and ability to create chaos in the final third could turn him into a talismanic figure – perhaps not a like-for-like Isak replacement, but someone capable of carrying the burden of responsibility.
As football data analyst Ben Mattinson described, Semenyo is a “maverick,” unpredictable on the ball, relentless off it, and a “duel monster” who thrives in physical battles. That combination makes him one of the most exciting wingers currently operating in the Premier League.
A defining few weeks ahead
For Newcastle, the final weeks of the transfer window will likely shape their entire campaign. Missing out on multiple targets has already put them on the back foot, but securing Wissa, Ramos, or Semenyo would represent a significant statement of intent.
Whether they can pull off one – or even two – of these signings remains to be seen, but what is clear is that Newcastle cannot afford to end the window empty-handed. Without fresh attacking reinforcements, replacing the influence of Alexander Isak may prove impossible.
As the September 1st deadline approaches, Newcastle face a race against time to ensure their summer doesn’t end in frustration.