£40m striker pushing to join Newcastle in ‘coming days’ after Saturday no-show
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe delivered news on Friday morning that, while expected, still carries major implications ahead of the Magpies’ showdown with Liverpool on Monday night. The manager confirmed that Alexander Isak, last season’s top scorer, will not be part of the squad.
Isak has been angling for a move to Merseyside over recent weeks, and despite being under contract, Howe decided against forcing him into action. It was a bold decision, but one that reflects Howe’s long-term vision of prioritizing players who are fully committed to Newcastle United’s project rather than fielding unsettled stars.
Newcastle’s search for striking reinforcements
With Isak’s future hanging in the balance, Newcastle continue to scour the market for reinforcements. Two names remain firmly on their radar — Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen. Both players have been heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park this summer, with fresh developments suggesting that speculation could soon turn into concrete action.
There has even been talk that Newcastle’s interest in the duo has directly influenced their availability at the weekend, with at least one of them already missing out on club duties.
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Wissa pushing for Newcastle switch after Brentford absence
Brentford boss Keith Andrews confirmed that Yoane Wissa would again be absent from his squad when the Bees face Aston Villa on Saturday. His absence raised eyebrows, particularly given the ongoing transfer links, and Andrews’ comments only fuelled speculation further:
> “It’s not right to involve him in the squad. The team is the focus and I felt that was the right thing to do.”
At 28, Wissa is eager to take the next step in his career and has been pushing for a move to Newcastle, reportedly hopeful that a deal can be completed in the coming days. According to Craig Hope of The Mail, the Congolese forward remains adamant about sealing a switch to Tyneside before the transfer window closes.
Earlier this week, Newcastle tabled a bid worth £40 million for Wissa, but Brentford swiftly rejected the proposal. The West London side are said to be holding out for closer to £60 million — a figure that Newcastle view as inflated, perhaps even a deliberate attempt to exploit their urgent need for a striker.
Still, with the clock ticking towards deadline day, there is an expectation that negotiations will intensify. If common ground can be found, Wissa could yet arrive at St James’ Park in time to feature against Leeds United at Elland Road next weekend.
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Strand Larsen’s contrasting situation at Wolves
While Wissa sits out of action, Newcastle’s other main target, Jørgen Strand Larsen, continues to feature regularly for Wolves. The Norwegian striker, who only completed a permanent switch to Molineux earlier this summer following a successful loan, started once again in their clash against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Wolves manager Vitor Pereira has made it clear that he intends to keep Strand Larsen as a central figure in his side. However, sources close to the player suggest that the lure of Champions League football with Newcastle is tempting for the 24-year-old.
For Howe, Strand Larsen represents an intriguing option: should he arrive, he could immediately take up the No. 9 role, particularly if Isak’s reintegration is delayed or his transfer saga drags on.
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A delicate balancing act for Newcastle
Newcastle now face a tricky final stretch of the transfer window. Howe must prepare his squad for one of the toughest fixtures of the season without his top striker, while also navigating two difficult negotiations.
Ironically, the outcomes of Brentford and Wolves’ weekend fixtures could heavily influence matters. Heavy defeats might convince both clubs to dig in and keep hold of their attacking assets, while positive results may soften their stance on potential sales.
Either way, the coming days promise to be decisive. With Champions League football on the horizon, Newcastle cannot afford to enter the new campaign short of firepower. The question is not whether reinforcements will arrive, but whether the club can strike a deal at a price that reflects value rather than desperation.