Newcastle United are quietly preparing for one of their most ambitious moves yet as they look toward strengthening their attack in 2026.
Their recruitment team has been tracking an elite Premier League striker who has outscored Nick Woltemade this season, and the interest is now beginning to take shape behind the scenes.
The club knows that if they want to move forward, they cannot rely on just one source of goals, and the search for a consistent finisher has become one of their top priorities.
This development comes at a time when frustration is still lingering after the 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. Even though Newcastle have now gone three Premier League games without defeat, Eddie Howe was unable to hide his disappointment at full-time.
For him, the draw was a missed opportunity to show that his team had truly turned a corner after impressive victories over Manchester City and Everton.
Howe explained that his players had worked extremely hard for the opening goal and had been the dominant side for large parts of the first half. They controlled possession, pressed Tottenham with confidence, and looked capable of securing all three points.
But conceding twice in ways that he described as “hugely disappointing” left a bitter taste. Newcastle have always taken pride in being solid defensively, and the manner of the goals allowed Spurs back into the game far too easily.
Technically, Howe was also unhappy with how his players managed the second half. Instead of playing with more composure once they were ahead, they struggled to make the simple, effective passes that normally see games out.
In key moments, they lacked control, and Tottenham punished them for it. Still, the manager urged calm, insisting that this is a team that must learn quickly because the fixtures are coming fast.
With Burnley next on the schedule and several demanding matches to follow, Newcastle cannot spend much time dwelling on the disappointment. Yoane Wissa is edging closer to his return, having sacrificed his Africa Cup of Nations call-up to stay and repay the club’s loyalty.
Even so, the club is still determined to reinforce their attacking options in January, especially with the long-term picture in mind.
Newcastle’s interest in strengthening the frontline is not limited to young prospects like Cardiff City’s Dylan Lawlor, although they are firmly involved in that race alongside Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham.
Their focus is also on proven Premier League quality, which is why Igor Thiago has now become one of their main targets.
According to information emerging from Caught Offside, Newcastle have already completed their scouting mission on Thiago and are preparing an offer for the Brentford striker. His form this season has been remarkable.
With 11 goals in 13 Premier League appearances, his numbers are surpassed only by Erling Haaland. That kind of strike rate has not gone unnoticed by top clubs.
Below is a simple comparison of Thiago’s Premier League output this season compared to Nick Woltemade:
| PL Stats 25/26 | Igor Thiago | Nick Woltemade |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1,101 | 965 |
| Goals | 11 | 5 |
| Assists | 0 | 1 |
| Expected Goals | 8.5 | 4.5 |
The numbers tell a clear story. Woltemade has been excellent since arriving at Newcastle, instantly becoming a fan favourite and proving why he was signed for a club-record fee. But Thiago’s level has been even higher.
At Brentford, he has stepped up seamlessly following the departure of Bryan Mbeumo and has become one of the most feared forwards in the league. His physical presence, direct style, and ability to convert chances have made him crucial to Brentford’s season.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews has repeatedly praised Thiago for both his personality and his performances. He recently described the striker as a “dream to work with,” highlighting his hunger to improve, his consistency, and the way he has integrated into the system and bonded with teammates.
Andrews believes his numbers speak for themselves, and he is right. Any striker who scores at the rate Thiago has been scoring will naturally attract the attention of bigger clubs, and Newcastle are now one of those quietly pushing their way to the front of the queue.
As January approaches, the move is becoming increasingly realistic. Newcastle want more firepower, the scouting reports are strong, and the need for reliable goalscorers has been made even clearer by recent performances.
While Woltemade remains important to the club’s future, bringing in someone who is outperforming him could transform the team’s attacking threat entirely.
