Newcastle offered “more complete CF than Haaland” for £35m, he’ll love Elanga & Gordon – opinion
Newcastle United’s striker search defines the transfer window
Newcastle United’s ongoing hunt for a new striker has quickly become the dominant storyline of their summer transfer window, overshadowing every other piece of business.
At the heart of the saga is Alexander Isak, whose uncertain future has left Eddie Howe and his recruitment team desperately scrambling for solutions at a time when the manager is craving stability more than ever.
The Magpies may have looked sharp in spells during their Premier League opener against Aston Villa, but without a natural focal point in attack, their dominance counted for little. The 0-0 draw served as a reminder of just how blunt Newcastle can look without a functioning No. 9 to finish the chances being created.
To make matters worse, Isak’s increasingly public fallout with the club has added fuel to the fire. The Swedish international has shown no intention of returning to Howe’s squad regardless of whether a transfer is sanctioned. His cryptic Instagram statement about “broken promises” only reinforced the perception that his relationship with the club has broken down beyond repair, with Liverpool’s interest clearly unsettling him.
For Newcastle, this leaves a gaping hole through the middle of their attack. Wide players continue to provide industry and creativity, but the absence of a central striker with cutting edge has destabilised the balance of their forward line.
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Newcastle handed chance to solve striker crisis
The club’s hierarchy are determined not to allow Isak to leave without first securing a replacement. However, progress has been slow and frustrating.
Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has been the subject of two failed bids, while Wolves’ Jørgen Strand Larsen and Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth are both under consideration but would be complicated deals to conclude. As the clock ticks down toward deadline day, Newcastle’s list of realistic options is narrowing rapidly.
That is where Juventus have stepped in. According to Sport Witness, the Italian giants are actively pushing Newcastle to make a late move for Serbian forward Dušan Vlahović. Financial pressures in Turin have forced Juve into a position where they are willing to part ways with their star striker. His €12m-per-year wages are proving too heavy a burden, and they are now prepared to accept offers in the region of €38m (£35m) – a dramatic reduction from the €85m (£80m) valuation he commanded at his peak in 2022.
Vlahović himself has not been agitating for a move and is believed to be settled in Italy. Still, he has long harboured ambitions of playing in the Premier League, and Newcastle’s Champions League status could prove a significant pull factor. For Howe, who has watched his side create chances but lack a clinical edge, Vlahović represents exactly the kind of figurehead striker Newcastle have been crying out for.
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How Vlahović could transform Newcastle’s attack
The signing of Vlahović would be more than just about goals; it would be about unlocking the full potential of the players around him.
This summer’s arrival of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest has already given Howe a new weapon on the wing. Elanga, known for his pace and directness, also ranks among the most effective suppliers in Europe. According to FBref, he recorded 11 assists last season and ranked in the 94th percentile for assists per 90 minutes. His crossing ability is equally impressive, averaging 6.66 crosses and 3.09 corners per game – both metrics placing him in the top bracket of attacking wingers.
Pairing Elanga’s delivery with Vlahović’s aerial power and penalty-box instincts could be a match made in heaven.
On the opposite flank, Anthony Gordon brings a slightly different threat. His ability to run at defenders, cut inside, and thread passes into the penalty area makes him a versatile creative force. He ranked in the 85th percentile for passes into the penalty area (2.03 per 90) and in the 83rd percentile for crosses (4.84 per 90). Combined, Gordon and Elanga could provide the high-volume service that a target man like Vlahović thrives on.
At 1.90m, the Serbian forward offers both physical presence and intelligent movement. Last season he scored 10 Serie A goals and registered four assists, helping Juventus secure a top-four finish. He also netted twice in three appearances at the Club World Cup, underlining his pedigree on the biggest stage.
Carlo Garganese once described him as a “monster,” while Nenad Bjekovic, president of the Serbian FA, controversially claimed he is “a more complete forward than Erling Haaland.” Though bold, those remarks speak to the high regard in which Vlahović is held.
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The financial balancing act
Despite the footballing logic of the move, Newcastle face a significant hurdle in the form of Financial Fair Play. Since their Saudi-backed takeover, the club have tried to move carefully to avoid breaching UEFA’s restrictions.
This summer has already seen major investment in Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale, which limits the room available for another high-profile signing. Vlahović’s wages in particular could prove prohibitive unless Newcastle are willing to offload other assets.
Juventus’ willingness to sell does not automatically translate into Newcastle’s ability to buy. It would take careful negotiation and perhaps some financial gymnastics for the Magpies to pull this one off.
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Opportunity or missed chance?
The stakes could not be higher. Newcastle cannot afford to let the Isak saga derail their season, especially with Champions League football returning to St James’ Park. A clinical striker is essential if they are to compete both domestically and in Europe.
On paper, Dušan Vlahović ticks every box – powerful, prolific, proven at the top level, and still only 24 years old. He represents not just a solution to Newcastle’s short-term crisis but also a long-term cornerstone around whom Howe could build his attack.
The coming days will reveal whether Newcastle can persuade the Serbian to trade Turin for Tyneside. If they succeed, it could prove one of the most decisive moves of the window. If they fail, it may go down as the opportunity that slipped through their fingers – and one that could shape the entire trajectory of their season.