Newcastle set to submit bid for “monster” £70m CF, he’s more of a handful than Isak – opinion
Newcastle United’s turbulent summer takes another twist
As the countdown to the new Premier League season edges closer to zero, Newcastle United find themselves caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty, particularly in the most critical area of their squad — the attack.
The situation surrounding star striker Alexander Isak has become the defining storyline of their pre-season. The Swedish international has made it abundantly clear that he has no intention of returning to first-team duties, regardless of whether a transfer materialises before the window closes. His stance stems from a long-running transfer saga sparked by Liverpool’s high-profile interest earlier this summer.
Newcastle’s hierarchy, led by Eddie Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth, have maintained that Isak will only be sold if a high-calibre replacement is secured. But with the market clock ticking, that stance has created a tense and high-pressure scenario at St James’ Park.
Missed opportunities and narrowing options
The Magpies’ chase for Slovenian prodigy Benjamin Šeško ended in frustration when the RB Leipzig striker chose a move to Manchester United. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has also emerged as a target, but securing his signature is far from straightforward given the London club’s reluctance to weaken their squad.
Despite the uncertainty up front, Newcastle have been active in other areas. Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale have all joined the ranks, adding depth and quality in wide, defensive, and goalkeeping positions. A £40 million move for Aston Villa’s dynamic midfielder Jacob Ramsey is also nearing completion.
Yet for all these incoming talents, one priority overshadows the rest: finding a centre-forward who can immediately lead the line.
Turning to a new type of striker
That search has led Newcastle to a player with a very different skillset to Isak — a more traditional powerhouse centre-forward. According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, the Magpies are preparing a bid for FC Porto’s rising star Samu Aghehowa, a striker described by renowned talent scout Jacek Kulig as “a true monster in the making.”
Porto are reluctant to part ways with their talismanic forward, especially so late in the transfer window. However, they are bracing themselves for interest after the 21-year-old’s breakout season. Since arriving from Atlético Madrid for £15 million last summer, Samu has scored an impressive 27 goals in 45 appearances, including 19 in the Portuguese league and six in the Europa League. Standing at 1.93m (6’4”), he combines raw physicality with blistering pace, making him a constant menace for opposition defences.
The Portuguese club have set a £70 million valuation, bolstered by a significant obstacle: Atlético Madrid hold a 50% sell-on clause, making negotiations even more complex. While Samu is intrigued by the idea of testing himself in the Premier League, he is also prepared to stay in Portugal if no deal materialises.
A stark contrast to Isak’s style
The potential shift from Isak to Samu would represent more than just a change in personnel — it would mean a tactical evolution for Eddie Howe’s side.
Isak is a striker of finesse: a master of close control, subtle movement, and intelligent link-up play. He often drops deep to orchestrate attacks, creating space for wide players such as Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy. His calm, two-footed finishing makes him lethal in tight spaces, and his ability to work in intricate passing patterns suits Newcastle’s patient build-up play.
Samu, by contrast, thrives on imposing himself physically. He relishes direct duels, often using his frame to shield the ball before exploding into space. His aerial dominance and aggressive pressing make him ideally suited to a high-intensity, counter-attacking approach. Statistically, his 5.45 touches in the opposition box per game and above-average shot volume reflect a player who operates as the focal point of attacks rather than a creator for others.
According to FBref data, Samu ranks in the 75th percentile for non-penalty expected goals per 90 (0.43), the 86th percentile for total shots (3.10), and an impressive 96th percentile for pass completion (77.8%). His 73rd-percentile ranking for interceptions underlines his commitment to defensive work, an increasingly valued trait in modern centre-forwards.
The tactical gamble
If Newcastle secure Samu’s signature, Howe may be forced to adjust his system. A more direct approach, exploiting Samu’s power and speed in transition, could replace the intricate combinations built to suit Isak’s style. This change might initially require an adaptation period but could also inject a new level of unpredictability into the Magpies’ attack.
With Šeško gone, Jackson uncertain, and Isak seemingly immovable in his stance, Samu Aghehowa may represent Newcastle’s best chance to fill the void. He is not a like-for-like replacement, but perhaps that is the point — a bold, aggressive signing that shifts the dynamic of their forward play entirely.
Whether such a move will catapult Newcastle’s season forward or create teething problems remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the decision made in the next few weeks could define not only their season but the long-term direction of Eddie Howe’s project.