Craig Hope gives name of exciting striker Newcastle Utd could land if Yoane Wissa move collapses
Newcastle United are preparing for what could be a decisive weekend in their hunt for a new striker, with the club pushing to accelerate negotiations as the transfer deadline draws closer. According to reporter Craig Hope, speaking on his YouTube channel from the Magpies’ training ground, the club has effectively set itself a “soft deadline” for today in an attempt to get clarity on whether a deal for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa is realistically achievable.
Hope explained that Newcastle want clear answers as soon as possible, particularly with just over a week left in the window. The club needs to know whether there is a path forward for Wissa, or if they must quickly turn their full attention to alternative options.
Sky Sports’ Keith Andrews has also confirmed that Wissa has now rejoined group training at Brentford. That development, in itself, could be seen as a sign that the 28-year-old may well remain with the Bees beyond this window, despite Newcastle’s interest. Brentford are believed to be reluctant sellers, and with the player still central to Thomas Frank’s plans, any transfer is expected to be complicated.
For Newcastle, the striker situation is becoming increasingly urgent. With Alexander Isak widely expected to remain at St James’ Park despite heavy interest from Liverpool earlier in the summer, Eddie Howe’s priority is no longer about finding a direct replacement for his star forward but instead filling the gap left by Callum Wilson’s departure to West Ham United. Wissa would be viewed as that replacement, offering mobility, versatility, and Premier League experience.
However, with talks still at an uncertain stage, Newcastle have been forced to keep exploring other avenues. Craig Hope has played down speculation of a swoop for Jorgen Strand Larsen, the Wolves striker who has also been linked, noting that Newcastle’s hierarchy do not believe that deal is likely to materialise. Still, another Scandinavian forward remains firmly in the club’s sights—Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth.
The 29-year-old Norway international enjoyed a prolific season in La Liga last year, scoring 20 goals in 35 appearances. His combination of height, strength, and aerial ability make him a very different type of forward to Isak, but one who could offer Newcastle a reliable goal threat in the Premier League. Crucially, reports suggest Atletico may be open to selling him this summer, which potentially makes him a more attainable target than Wissa or Strand Larsen, both of whom their clubs would prefer to keep.
Of course, there are trade-offs to consider. Sorloth will turn 30 before the end of the calendar year, so he would not represent a long-term solution. But in the short term, if Newcastle can strike a deal at a reasonable fee, he could be exactly the kind of proven striker who bridges the gap for Eddie Howe while the club continues to plan for the future. His goal-scoring record and physical profile suggest he would adapt well to the demands of the Premier League, and given Newcastle’s pressing need to reinforce their forward line before deadline day, he may become the most realistic option available.
In short, Newcastle’s striker chase is at a crossroads. Wissa remains the primary target, but time is running out and Brentford’s stance is firm. Should that deal fall through, the Magpies may well turn their focus to Sorloth, whose availability could yet provide a timely solution. What is clear is that Eddie Howe and the recruitment team want their new forward lined up swiftly, and the next few days could be decisive in shaping the rest of Newcastle’s season.