Craig Hope: £70m monster is now “keen” to join Newcastle, he’s a perfect Wissa upgrade – opinion
Newcastle United’s striker dilemma: Isak’s uncertainty and the hunt for reinforcements
Newcastle United’s search for a reliable striker remains one of the biggest stories of their transfer window. The club is still waiting for clarity on Alexander Isak’s future, with the Swedish forward pushing for a move to Liverpool before the deadline. The Magpies faced Jürgen Klopp’s side on Monday night, and despite the on-field clash, the transfer narrative continued to hover in the background. After the game, Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X that Isak remains determined to secure a switch to Anfield before the window closes.
While uncertainty lingers over their talismanic striker, Eddie Howe and his recruitment team are not standing still. The need for attacking reinforcements has only grown sharper. Callum Wilson, who had been a dependable source of goals in recent years, left the club at the end of his contract. That departure has left 19-year-old William Osula as the only recognised centre-forward currently at Howe’s disposal—a risky situation for a club competing domestically and in Europe this season.
With just days remaining before the transfer deadline, Newcastle must accelerate their pursuit of a new forward. The club cannot afford to gamble on being left short-handed if Isak does indeed force an exit.
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Wissa and Strand Larsen on the shortlist
Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has been a long-term target, and his name has been repeatedly linked with a move to St James’ Park this summer. Newcastle are understood to have made two offers for the DR Congo international, but the Bees remain firm in their stance, rejecting both. Thomas Frank’s side are under no financial pressure to sell, especially after Ivan Toney’s suspension last season thrust Wissa into the spotlight as their main source of goals.
With progress stalling in that pursuit, Newcastle have now shifted focus towards Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jorgen Strand Larsen. According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Howe’s men lodged a £55m bid for the Norwegian earlier this week, only for Wolves to swiftly reject the approach. Reports suggest that the Midlands club could demand as much as £70m to part ways with their prized asset.
Despite the rejection, Newcastle have not walked away. Instead, they are weighing up a fresh offer, encouraged by Strand Larsen’s reported eagerness to make the switch to the North East.
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Why Strand Larsen could be the right fit
Should Newcastle manage to strike a deal, they would be acquiring a striker with proven Premier League pedigree and plenty of room to grow. Strand Larsen only joined Wolves from Celta Vigo last summer, but he has already adapted impressively to the demands of English football. In his debut Premier League campaign, he scored 14 goals and provided four assists across 35 appearances—a return that caught the attention of both pundits and potential suitors.
Even Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has been vocal in his admiration for the Norwegian. Speaking on Match of the Day last season, Shearer labelled him a “superb striker,” praising both his finishing ability and his movement off the ball. Compliments from the league’s all-time top scorer are not handed out lightly, and they underline the quality Strand Larsen has shown in a short space of time.
The 2025/26 campaign has also started brightly for the 25-year-old. In Wolves’ Carabao Cup second-round clash with West Ham United, he netted twice, demonstrating sharp instincts and composure in the penalty box. Performances like these only strengthen Newcastle’s belief that he could seamlessly slot into Howe’s system.
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Comparing Strand Larsen and Wissa
Yoane Wissa is also an attractive option. His 19 goals for Brentford last season underlined his clinical edge, and he has now registered back-to-back campaigns of double-digit scoring in the Premier League. Yet, while his consistency is commendable, Strand Larsen arguably offers a more well-rounded profile.
A BBC Sport analysis from last year revealed that the Norwegian boasted the best shot accuracy in the Premier League as of March 2024, with an impressive 69% of his attempts hitting the target. His underlying numbers also stack up well against Wissa: across the last two seasons, Strand Larsen has averaged 1.12 shots on target per 90 minutes, narrowly edging Wissa’s figure of 1.08.
It’s statistics like these, combined with his physical presence and adaptability, that make Strand Larsen a compelling option for Newcastle. He represents not just a striker who can score goals, but one who can do so efficiently and consistently.
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The cost of investment
£70m is a significant outlay, particularly for a club mindful of Financial Fair Play restrictions. However, Newcastle’s ownership knows the importance of strengthening the squad at this stage of their project. With Champions League football secured last season and expectations higher than ever, they cannot afford to be caught short in attack.
Whether Isak stays or leaves, Newcastle’s striker situation must be resolved before the deadline. Strand Larsen, with his proven record and upward trajectory, could very well be the marquee signing that transforms the Magpies’ frontline.