Imagine him and Gordon: Newcastle bid for ‘prolific’ £80M star imminent, he’s better than Sesko
The excitement at St. James’ Park is palpable as Newcastle United prepare for their second Champions League campaign in three years, fresh off ending their 70-year trophy drought with Carabao Cup glory.
Yet beneath this optimism lies a pressing concern – Eddie Howe’s squad faces a striker crisis that threatens to undermine their ambitious plans.
Newcastle’s summer business has been a mixed bag. The arrivals of Aaron Ramsdale (loan), Anthony Elanga, and Malick Thiaw have strengthened key areas, while Jacob Ramsey’s impending move from Aston Villa adds creativity to midfield. However, the failure to secure attacking reinforcements has left fans frustrated.
The striker situation has become particularly dire. Alexander Isak’s shock demand to leave – with Liverpool circling – has compounded earlier disappointments in the market.
Missed opportunities for João Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and Benjamin Šeško have left Will Osula as the only natural center-forward available for their season opener at Villa Park.
Samu Aghehowa: The Potential Solution
Emerging as a potential savior is 21-year-old Spanish international Samu Aghehowa, currently plying his trade at Porto. The young striker enjoyed a breakout 2024/25 season after his move from Atlético Madrid, showcasing the physical presence and clinical finishing that has attracted Newcastle’s attention.
While the reported £80 million price tag seems steep, a comparison with former target Benjamin Šeško suggests Aghehowa could represent better value:
| Metric | Samu Aghehowa | Benjamin Šeško |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 30 | 33 |
| Goals | 19 | 13 |
| Expected Goals | 14.07 | 9.89 |
| Goals per Game | 0.6 | 0.4 |
| Big Chances Missed | 18 | 10 |
This statistical comparison, while acknowledging the difference between Portugal’s Liga NOS and Germany’s Bundesliga, demonstrates Aghehowa’s superior output last season.
His 19-goal haul and higher expected goals figure paint the picture of a more natural finisher, albeit one who needs to work on converting big chances.
Why Aghehowa Fits Newcastle’s Project
At 6’3″, Aghehowa offers the physical presence Howe typically favors in his center-forwards. His ability to link play and finish clinically makes him an ideal candidate to lead Newcastle’s line in both domestic and European competitions.
Having already broken into Spain’s national team setup, he possesses the pedigree to thrive under pressure at St. James’ Park.
The potential signing carries additional significance beyond just filling a positional need. Landing a highly-rated young striker would send a powerful message about Newcastle’s ambitions and their ability to attract top talent despite recent transfer frustrations.
It would also provide crucial cover as the club balances Premier League and Champions League commitments.
Challenges Ahead
Securing Aghehowa won’t be straightforward. The £80 million valuation represents a significant investment, while competition from other clubs could emerge if Newcastle hesitate.
Additionally, the young striker would need time to adapt to the Premier League’s physical demands.
However, with Isak seemingly set for the exit and few quality alternatives available at this stage of the window, Newcastle may have little choice but to meet Porto’s demands.
The potential upside – acquiring a striker who could develop into one of Europe’s elite forwards – makes this a risk worth taking.
As the transfer window enters its decisive phase, Newcastle’s hierarchy faces a critical test of their ambition.
Samu Aghehowa represents more than just another signing – he could be the difference between building on last season’s success or watching their hard-earned progress stall. For a club with Newcastle’s aspirations, that’s a gamble they can’t afford to lose.