Newcastle pushing really hard to sign “sensational” £60m CF, he’d be their new Isak – opinion
Newcastle United at a Crossroads: Why Eddie Howe May Have to Let Alexander Isak Go
The beginning of Eddie Howe’s latest chapter in charge of Newcastle United did not quite unfold as supporters had hoped. The Magpies were held to a frustrating draw at Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, a result that, while not disastrous, leaves plenty of questions about the club’s direction in the coming weeks.
On the surface, a point at Villa Park is a respectable return, particularly given Unai Emery’s side has become notoriously difficult to beat on home soil. Yet, beneath that result lies the more concerning narrative: the absence of Alexander Isak. Anthony Gordon, more accustomed to wreaking havoc from the flanks, was forced to play as a makeshift centre-forward, highlighting the void left by the Swede’s refusal to feature while he pushes for a move away.
Supporters in the away end voiced their displeasure in no uncertain terms, directing chants at their wantaway striker. Isak, once the jewel of Newcastle’s attack and a symbol of their ambitious new era under PIF, now finds himself cast in a different light: not as a talisman, but as another unsettled footballer seemingly prioritising personal ambition over collective success.
The reminder is as sharp as it is simple — the club will always be bigger than the player. And with Isak effectively exiling himself from the St. James’ Park first team, the time may have come for Newcastle to seriously consider parting ways with him.
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Why It Might Be Time to Sell Alexander Isak
Earlier this month, Liverpool tested Newcastle’s resolve with a substantial bid worth £110 million plus add-ons. The Magpies quickly dismissed the approach, viewing it as well below their valuation, which has been reported at around £150 million. With Isak still under contract for nearly three years, PIF believe they are well within their rights to hold firm.
But the player’s unwillingness to contribute muddies the waters. Liverpool will have known their opening offer was insufficient — a strategic move in the chess game of transfer negotiations. Still, Newcastle now find themselves racing against the clock to bring in reinforcements before the window closes. Journalist Craig Hope has confirmed that the plan is to sign not one, but two new strikers, ensuring Howe is not left short-handed in a season that also involves Champions League football.
Howe’s philosophy at Newcastle has been clear since the day he arrived: build a side based on cohesion, work ethic, and relentless tenacity. Every player buys into the system, every player fights for the shirt. By withdrawing his commitment, Isak is going against this very ethos. For that reason alone, Newcastle may need to cut ties and reinvest.
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Wissa Emerges as a Priority Target
Attention has already turned towards potential replacements, with TEAMtalk reporting that the Magpies are accelerating their pursuit of Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. The Congolese international is said to be keen on the move, though Brentford’s £60m valuation has given Newcastle pause. Tottenham are also monitoring the situation, ensuring competition for his signature remains high.
Importantly, Wissa would not be seen as a direct replacement for Isak but rather as part of a broader reshaping of the attack, especially after the departure of Callum Wilson at the end of his contract.
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Why Newcastle See Value in Yoane Wissa
Wissa’s journey is a story of persistence and steady progression. Signed from Lorient for just £8.5m in 2021, he has blossomed into Brentford’s most prolific Premier League scorer. His 19 league goals last season underline his ability to perform consistently in one of the most demanding divisions in world football.
At 28, Wissa is entering what many consider to be a striker’s peak years. He is hungry for a bigger challenge and has made it clear that he views Newcastle as the ideal destination. For Howe, the appeal is obvious: Wissa may not possess the same technical elegance or explosive potential as Isak, but he is a proven finisher who thrives in high-intensity systems.
Interestingly, Wissa and Isak share an uncomfortable similarity in the way they are engineering their exits from their current clubs. But where Isak’s absence has bred frustration, Wissa’s determination to move could be the injection of ambition Newcastle need.
Statistically, Wissa also brings more than just goals. According to Sofascore, he averaged 0.8 key passes per game last season and chipped in with four assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute to team play even when not on the scoresheet. His well-documented chemistry with Bryan Mbeumo at Brentford further highlights his intelligence in link-up play, something Howe could look to replicate at St James’ Park with creative players like Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and Bruno Guimarães feeding him.
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The Bigger Picture
Wissa alone will not replace Isak — and Howe knows that. The French-born striker does not have the same pace, agility, or ceiling for development as the Swede. Newcastle will still need to secure a younger, more dynamic forward to complement Wissa and provide long-term balance. However, as a proven goalscorer with Premier League pedigree, Wissa could offer immediate stability in a turbulent moment for the Magpies.
Sky Sports pundit Mark McAdam has labelled him “sensational” in front of goal, and while he may not replicate every aspect of Isak’s game, his ability to finish chances consistently could ensure Newcastle remain competitive on multiple fronts.
For Newcastle, the focus must now be on progression. The transfer window has been frustrating, the Isak saga distracting, but the club cannot afford to stall. By securing a striker like Wissa — and pairing him with another forward acquisition — the Magpies can ensure their European adventure does not derail before it has truly begun.