'I wouldn't hold my breath': Craig Hope now casts doubt on potential deal for striker at Newcastle

The ongoing saga surrounding Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United has taken another intriguing twist, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Gonçalo Ramos unexpectedly back on the Magpies’ radar.

As the club prepares for life without their Swedish talisman, who remains determined to force through a move to Liverpool, Newcastle’s recruitment team is working tirelessly to secure adequate replacements before the transfer window closes.

Journalist Craig Hope’s latest update paints a picture of cautious optimism mixed with realism regarding Newcastle’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements.

While Brentford’s Yoane Wissa appears destined for Tyneside in what sources describe as an “imminent” deal, the situation surrounding Ramos remains considerably more complex.

The Portuguese striker, who scored PSG’s equalizer in their UEFA Super Cup triumph over Tottenham, represents a more ambitious but challenging target for Newcastle’s hierarchy.

Hope’s assessment suggests Newcastle view Wissa and Ramos as complementary rather than interchangeable options.

The Congolese forward is seen as a direct replacement for the departed Callum Wilson, while Ramos would provide the star quality needed to fill Isak’s considerable boots.

This two-pronged approach demonstrates the club’s determination not to be left short-handed, regardless of how the Isak situation resolves itself.

Eddie Howe’s recent comments reveal the delicate balancing act Newcastle must perform. While maintaining that the door remains open for Isak’s reintegration, the manager openly acknowledged the need for greater attacking depth on his bench.

“The balance isn’t quite what we want at the moment,” Howe admitted after the Villa stalemate, hinting at ongoing transfer activity. This public acknowledgment of squad imbalance suggests Newcastle’s recruitment team is working with clear directives from the coaching staff.

The financial and sporting implications of this transfer puzzle are significant:

Valuation Challenges – PSG’s likely demands for Ramos could exceed £60 million
Timing Pressures – With less than two weeks remaining, Newcastle must move decisively
Fan Relations – The toxic atmosphere surrounding Isak complicates any potential reconciliation

While Hope expressed skepticism about Newcastle’s chances of landing Ramos, describing it as “a really hard one to do,” the mere fact the club continues to explore the option speaks volumes about their ambition.

The 24-year-old’s credentials are undeniable – 18 goals last season, Champions League experience, and a proven track record at international level with Portugal. His physicality and penalty-box instincts would suit Howe’s system perfectly.

The coming days will prove crucial in determining whether Newcastle can pull off what would be a statement signing.

With Wissa’s arrival seemingly a formality, Ramos represents the potential cherry on top of what has already been a productive window featuring Malick Thiaw, Anthony Elanga, and Aaron Ramsdale.

However, as Hope cautioned, fans would be wise not to “hold their breath” given the complexities involved in dealing with PSG.

What remains clear is Newcastle’s refusal to be bullied into a corner. The club’s stance on Isak – no sale without adequate replacement – demonstrates their growing confidence in the transfer market.

Whether that replacement turns out to be Ramos, another target, or nobody at all, one thing is certain: Newcastle won’t make decisions based on player power or external pressure.

As the clock ticks down to deadline day, this high-stakes game of transfer chess promises more twists before reaching its conclusion.

The ultimate resolution may depend on whether Liverpool meet Newcastle’s £150 million valuation, whether PSG soften their stance on Ramos, and whether Isak himself blinks in this increasingly tense standoff.

For now, all options remain on the table in what has become one of the most fascinating transfer sagas of the summer.