Newcastle plotting move for “chaotic” £65m Wissa alternative, he’s just like Ekitike

Newcastle United’s summer transfer narrative continues to unfold with both ambition and unpredictability.

The club appears firmly committed to building their attacking project around Alexander Isak, yet Hugo Ekitike, once viewed as a long-term target, will not be joining.

Instead, the talented French forward is now expected to join Liverpool, leaving Newcastle to explore alternate avenues. Although missing out on Ekitike may seem like a blow, his potential move to Anfield might actually benefit Newcastle in securing Isak’s long-term future.

If Liverpool fill their striking vacancy with Ekitike, it effectively rules them out of any potential future pursuit of Isak, which is quietly reassuring for the Magpies.

Isak remains an elite talent and an integral piece of Eddie Howe’s dynamic frontline. However, the need to recruit a quality second striker has only intensified since Callum Wilson’s contract expired.

Newcastle have begun to shift their focus, with Yoane Wissa of Brentford emerging as a significant target. The Congolese forward had a superb 2024/25 season, netting 20 goals, and has a £50 million valuation.

Reports confirm that Newcastle view Wissa as a prime candidate, but with Brentford also set to lose Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United, a deal may become increasingly complicated.

This development prompted the club to consider an audacious alternative. Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez has reportedly surfaced as a potential option, catching many by surprise.

Despite conflicting reports, including Fabrizio Romano’s claim that no formal contact has taken place, the Uruguayan’s name has been firmly linked.

With Saudi clubs circling and Liverpool contemplating squad changes, the striker may soon be available for a reported fee in the region of £65 million.

While Núñez has endured a mixed spell at Anfield, his profile offers several compelling traits. Still just 25, he has the physical tools, tactical malleability, and natural instinct that could thrive under Howe’s high-energy, transitional system.

His raw energy, pace, and ability to unsettle defenses would make him a unique asset, even if his time at Liverpool has been inconsistent. Though often criticized for his erratic finishing, Núñez has shown signs of growth.

Last season, he converted five goals and missed eight big chances in the Premier League, suggesting a modest upward trend in efficiency. He recorded 18 goals and 15 assists in all competitions across 54 appearances—solid output for a player frequently rotated.

To put things into perspective, a statistical comparison between Núñez and Ekitike provides intriguing insights:

Despite Ekitike boasting slightly better dribbling and technical metrics, Núñez matches or surpasses him in most output-related categories.

While Ekitike may still be a work in progress, having scored 12 goals and supplied 12 assists last season, he underperformed his expected goals tally.

He posted 0.66 xG per 90 minutes but scored at just 0.51—a sign that his finishing still needs refinement. Moreover, he has yet to face the demands of the Premier League.

By contrast, Núñez has already shown his potential to terrorize English defenses, and while his style may be unorthodox, his numbers suggest he offers tangible contributions.

Newcastle might find in him a disruptive yet effective presence—one capable of both competing with and complementing Isak. He wouldn’t arrive with the burden of replacing the Swede but could push him competitively, offer a different threat, and learn under Howe’s disciplined guidance.

As Howe weighs his striking options, he may still opt for Wissa, whose goal-scoring record last season is hard to ignore.

But a left-field move for Darwin Núñez would certainly add intrigue and ambition to Newcastle’s transfer strategy. If successful, it might complete one of the most surprising yet calculated moves of the window—one that strengthens Newcastle’s depth while unsettling a direct rival in the process.

Whether Howe takes the safer route or gambles on raw potential, the Magpies appear determined to reinforce their attack with a statement signing.