Newcastle United Face Transfer Setback as Manchester United Trigger Matheus Cunha Deal
Newcastle United’s search for a new striker has suffered a major blow in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, with their pursuit of key targets becoming increasingly complicated.
The Magpies, who are eager to bolster their attacking options before the September 1 deadline, have been pushing hard to secure reinforcements up front. Their long-running interest in Brentford forward Yoane Wissa has stalled, while Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has now emerged as another possible solution. However, a fresh twist involving Manchester United has disrupted Newcastle’s transfer plans, leaving the club with tough decisions to make.
Wissa Talks Hit Deadlock
Newcastle’s chase for Wissa has been ongoing for more than a month. The Tyneside club tabled a £25 million bid for the 28-year-old earlier this summer, only to see it firmly rejected by Brentford. The Bees, who are reluctant to lose a key player, are now holding out for a staggering £60 million—a fee that Newcastle believe is unrealistic given Wissa’s age and contract situation.
The Congolese forward has just one year left on his current deal at the Gtech Community Stadium, although Brentford do hold an option to extend it. Newcastle have valued him at around £35 million, but with Brentford holding the stronger negotiating position, progress has stalled.
Wissa’s stance has added fuel to the speculation. He missed Brentford’s opening Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest and subsequently removed all traces of the club from his Instagram account—actions that have drawn comparisons with Alexander Isak’s situation at Newcastle in the past. Isak had also pushed for a high-profile move, with links to Liverpool, by making himself unavailable at the start of the season.
Despite the similarities, both Brentford and Newcastle find themselves in a difficult position: two clubs unwilling to lose their star forwards unless a truly irresistible offer arrives.
Knock-on Effect for Liverpool’s Pursuit of Isak
The outcome of Newcastle’s striker search could have a direct effect on Liverpool. If Newcastle do secure Wissa, they are still expected to push for another striker to fully cover the departure of Callum Wilson, who left the club earlier this summer. That second addition could potentially open the door for Isak’s future to be revisited, with Liverpool closely monitoring developments.
However, sources suggest Newcastle would not sanction Isak’s departure lightly. Even if reinforcements arrive, they are determined to keep the Swedish international unless an extraordinary bid lands on the table.
Newcastle Eye Jorgen Strand Larsen
Amid the Wissa stalemate, attention has turned towards Jorgen Strand Larsen of Wolves. The 25-year-old Norwegian impressed during his debut Premier League season, netting 14 goals after arriving on loan from Celta Vigo. His performances convinced Wolves to trigger a £23 million permanent deal, officially securing his services earlier this summer.
Larsen is understood to be open to the idea of joining Newcastle, who view him as a player capable of filling the void left by Wilson. Yet, negotiations could be tricky. Wolves, having only just completed his permanent signing, are under no pressure to sell and are unlikely to part with him cheaply—particularly after Manchester United’s recent activity in the market has strengthened Wolves’ finances.
Manchester United’s Role in the Saga
The situation has been further complicated by Manchester United’s decision to trigger a deal for Matheus Cunha, a move that has boosted Wolves financially and reduced any urgency they might have had to consider selling Larsen. This effectively makes Newcastle’s task even more challenging, as Wolves can now afford to play hardball in negotiations.
The Final Fortnight of the Window
With just under two weeks to go, Newcastle are in a race against time. Eddie Howe’s side are determined not to enter the new season light in attack, but their top targets are proving difficult to secure. Wissa remains Brentford’s prized asset, while Wolves’ stronger financial footing has made Larsen a tougher target to land.
Newcastle’s recruitment team is expected to keep exploring alternative options in case deals for either forward collapse. Nevertheless, both Wissa and Larsen remain firmly on their shortlist, and much will depend on how flexible Brentford and Wolves are willing to be in the final days of the transfer window.
For now, Newcastle fans can expect a dramatic finale to the summer market, with the club’s striker hunt set to have ripple effects not only on Tyneside but also in Liverpool and Manchester.