Newcastle now prepare to table bid to sign ‘elite’ £80m striker alongside Wissa – Report
The corridors of power at St James’ Park are buzzing with activity as Newcastle United prepare an imminent £80 million bid for Porto’s prolific striker Samu Omorodion.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke reveals the Magpies are ready to accelerate their pursuit of the Spanish international, marking the latest development in what promises to be a transformative final week of the transfer window.
This aggressive move comes as part of a comprehensive attacking rebuild, with Newcastle already securing Malick Thiaw’s defensive reinforcement and closing in on Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey for £40 million.
The potential arrival of Brentford’s Yoane Wissa adds further firepower, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the Congolese forward has greenlit a move to Tyneside.
Porto Braced for Magpies’ Onslaught
Porto officials reportedly anticipate Newcastle’s formal approach for Omorodion, aware the 21-year-old’s 29-goal debut season has made him Europe’s most coveted young striker.
The Portuguese giants only secured his services last summer after Chelsea’s failed £35 million swoop, but Newcastle’s financial muscle and urgent need for attacking reinforcements could force their hand.
Omorodion’s potential signing directly correlates with Alexander Isak’s impending departure. The Swedish striker has burned bridges with the Newcastle hierarchy after refusing to play, with Liverpool emerging as clear favorites for his signature.
While the Magpies rejected an initial £110 million bid, their £150 million valuation may soften should Omorodion’s arrival be secured.
Comparative Analysis: Omorodion vs. Isak
Key 2023/24 Statistics:
| Metric | Samu Omorodion | Alexander Isak |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 46 | 38 |
| Total Goals | 29 | 25 |
| League Goals | 19 | 21 |
| Shot Accuracy | 58% | 52% |
| Aerial Duels Won | 3.1/90 | 1.7/90 |
The data reveals Omorodion offers a more traditional target man profile compared to Isak’s fluid forward play. Standing at 6’4″, the Spaniard dominates aerial battles while maintaining impressive technical ability – evidenced by his inclusion in La Liga’s 2023 Team of the Season during his Granada loan spell.
Strategic Implications for Howe’s System
Eddie Howe appears to be engineering an attacking revolution:
- Omorodion would provide a physical focal point
- Wissa’s versatility allows rotation across the frontline
- Ramsey’s creativity from midfield adds a new dimension
This trio would compensate for Isak’s departure while offering tactical flexibility Newcastle previously lacked. Omorodion’s penalty-box presence could particularly benefit from Ramsey’s progressive carries (2.3/90 last season) and Wissa’s chance creation (1.5 key passes/90).
Newcastle’s movements are sending shockwaves through the market:
- Porto may reinvest Omorodion’s fee in Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres
- Liverpool could offload Darwin Núñez to fund Isak’s signing
- Brentford have identified Marseille’s Vitinha as Wissa’s replacement
With the September 1 deadline looming, Newcastle’s hierarchy recognizes this week could define their season.
Successfully landing Omorodion would not only soften the Isak blow but signal their ability to attract Europe’s elite talent. As one club insider noted: “We’re not just replacing players – we’re rebuilding the entire attacking philosophy.”
The coming days will reveal whether this ambitious vision becomes reality or if Newcastle face another transfer window of what-ifs. One certainty remains – the Magpies aren’t going down without a fight.