Newcastle Utd agrees personal terms with 14-goal striker as £60m deal considered
As the summer transfer window ticks into its final 10 days, Newcastle United find themselves in a high-pressure situation. The Magpies’ immediate priority is to secure reinforcements in attack following the departure of Callum Wilson, who joined West Ham United on a free transfer earlier in the window. While losing an experienced striker was already a blow, the club now faces a far bigger concern with Alexander Isak.
The Swedish forward has made it clear that he wants a move to Liverpool, going as far as to refuse both training and match participation in an attempt to force the issue. Despite his stance, Newcastle are reluctant to sanction his exit unless they can secure more than one attacking option to fill the void. This stance highlights just how delicate their situation has become, with Eddie Howe needing to balance squad depth against player unrest.
One of the primary targets, Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, has once again proven difficult to prise away. The Magpies lodged a £40 million bid earlier this week, only to see it swiftly rejected by the Bees, who value the Congolese international at closer to £50 million. Newcastle remain hopeful, however, as Wissa is understood to be extremely keen on the move and has made no secret of his desire to play at St James’ Park. That desire could yet tip the balance and force Brentford into a compromise before the window shuts.
In the meantime, Newcastle are broadening their search and holding discussions over alternative options. According to The Express & Star, the club have opened talks—via intermediaries—with Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. The Norwegian frontman, who netted 14 goals in the Premier League last season, has quickly become an integral figure for Wolves. Journalist Liam Keen revealed on the E&S Wolves Podcast that while Larsen is maintaining professionalism by continuing to train and play without agitating for a move, he has already agreed personal terms with Newcastle and would be open to joining a side competing in Europe.
From Wolves’ perspective, however, the situation is far from simple. Having initially paid a £2.5 million loan fee before making Larsen’s deal permanent this summer for an additional £23 million, the Midlands club have invested heavily in the player, with the total package worth £25.5 million. Wolves’ hierarchy are reportedly demanding a fee in the region of £60 million before they would even consider opening formal negotiations with Newcastle.
Such a valuation underlines just how important Larsen has become to Gary O’Neil’s setup. Wolves are desperate to keep him, not only because of his goal output and physical presence but also because of the timing. Losing him so late in the window would force Wolves into the market for not one but potentially two forwards—a near-impossible task with limited time remaining.
The outcome of Newcastle’s striker hunt could hinge on several moving parts. Much depends on whether they can strike a deal for Wissa, whether Isak’s stand-off with the club drags on, and ultimately, how much they are willing to stretch their budget. Should negotiations with Wolves progress and Newcastle table a formal bid around that £60 million mark, Wolves may be forced into making a difficult decision.
For now, the clock is ticking, the pressure is mounting, and Newcastle’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements is shaping up to be one of the defining stories of the final days of the transfer window.