Alexander Isak is poised to lead Newcastle United’s line into next season after shrugging off constant speculation over his St James’ Park future. The question that remains is who will be the Swede’s backup come the opening 2025/26 game in August.
Isak has featured in all but three Premier League ties this term, with Callum Wilson, William Osula and Anthony Gordon acting as the forward’s stand-ins at various stages of the campaign. Yet ask many on Tyneside and they will lean towards an additional option being brought in once the summer window opens in June.
With that transfer period swiftly approaching, Chronicle Live has taken a look at the school of thought for Newcastle’s transfer chiefs heading into what promises to be an exciting window.
A statement signing
We know Newcastle’s PSR-controlled purse strings will loosen, somewhat, in the coming months and there should be scope for more incoming business than experienced in recent windows. How much the Magpies will truly be able to spend remains to be seen, with the club’s European status playing a big part in the upcoming trading period.
To perhaps wander into a dreamland for a second, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that the north east outfit decide to go big and not only sign someone who can act as a backup for Isak – but realistically push him for a starting spot.
Should that be the road United go down, there’s not too many strikers suited to playing alongside Isak than Sweden co-star Viktor Gyokeres; the Sporting Lisbon striker who, at present, has a significant list of teams chasing his services after another stellar season.
Manchester United are said to be in pole position due to former Sporting and current Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim enjoying a good relationship with the former Coventry City forward. Chelsea, Arsenal and even Newcastle, tentatively, have been linked with a move for Gyokeres in the upcoming window.
The black and whites, admittedly, are not at the front of the queue for a deal that would likely obliterate most of their budget without outgoings in the coming months. Still, we know these owners have grand ambitions for the future and European football to offer potential newcomers in the near future…
Save those pennies
From one attacking signing that would break the bank to one at the opposite end of the spectrum. Lille’s Jonathan David, another to have been courted by Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool is a player Newcastle really admire. So much so, Chronicle Live understands a high-level club employee scouted him on multiple occasions earlier this year..
Where Eddie Howe’s side finish this term will ultimately play a huge part in their chances, with David himself eyeing a place in Europe’s premier competitions. The forward has previously admitted he sees himself in the Premier League – but will also be wanting a place in the Champions League next season.
We have seen in the past that Europe’s premier competition can prove a notable factor in Newcastle missing out on top talents. Liverpool fended off interest to win the race for Giorgi Mamardashvili and Dominik Szoboszlai in recent windows, while Manchester City recently nabbed two Newcastle targets – Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov – in a January splurge.
David will command substantial wages wherever he decides to ply his trade next term but with no transfer fee required for the Canadian, it is easy to see why many – including Newcastle – have taken an interest in his services.
One for the future
Could Newcastle also look closer to home? A striker of Gyokeres’ ilk, as mentioned, would break the bank, while there is no guarantee United win the race for a highly sought-after free agent such as David. Do they, therefore, need to enter another transfer battle in the coming months?
Liam Delap, currently shining in a relegation-destined Ipswich Town side, is attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League’s top sides and will not be short of suitors come the summer. Is he the man United need to act as backup to Isak?
It is a move that makes sense – for more than one reason. Delap, 22, fits the age profile of players Howe has signed in recent windows, while he is both English and Premier League ready.
Financially, it could be a a move that the decision makers inside St James’ Park find attractive too. Varying reports in recent days have suggested between £30m and £40m will be enough to snap Delap up in the coming months. There’s a lot to like about a deal of this nature, for a young, hungry talent who can grow behind Isak in the pecking order.
Osula’s time to shine?
It is worth remembering United have more than one position on their summer shopping list, with the potential to also strengthen at right-wing, centre-back and even between the sticks before the beginning of next season. Should that sort of plan unfold in the summer trading period, there’s always a chance Howe and his backroom team believe they have enough in reserve.
Callum Wilson is getting no younger and, as it currently stands, is out of contract in the summer but Howe has hinted at keeping the veteran forward at the club. There’s also a big expectation that Osula, after being mightily patient this season, may be unleashed – Lewis Hall-style – come next season.
The young, pacey, raw attacker has shown glimpses of real talent. There is excitement when he picks up the ball and has also already won the hearts of fans with his post-cup win celebrations.
As for the future, there is real hope – and expectation – that next season supporters will be granted their wish to see more of Osula in Premier League games; whether starting matches or simply earning more opportunities from the sidelines.
“I just think it’s a huge jump for him, in every way, naturally. I’ve been really, really impressed by him,” Howe said of Osula recently. “His attitude to learning is top. He’s there with a variety of coaches after training every day, working on his game.
“I think that’s the thing – there’s not one thing for Will. It’s not a case of trying to fix or improve this or that – it’s just the time that’s needed to improve all aspects of his game and his understanding. You don’t suddenly just land and become a Premier League striker, you have to work towards that as a young player, and he’s making great strides.”
