Newcastle now ready record bid for £69m monster, he’s more exciting than Ramos & Wissa
Newcastle United’s frustrating summer transfer window came into sharp focus during their Premier League opener against Aston Villa, where the Magpies failed to capitalize against ten men in a goalless draw.
The absence of Alexander Isak loomed large over St James’ Park, highlighting the urgent need for attacking reinforcements before the September 1 deadline.
The club’s pursuit of Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has dominated recent headlines, with negotiations reaching a crucial stage. The Congolese striker’s potential arrival hinges on Brentford securing Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara as his replacement.
While Wissa’s 19-goal Premier League campaign makes him an attractive option, Newcastle’s recruitment team continues exploring multiple avenues to strengthen their frontline.
Newcastle’s Primary Attacking Targets
| Player | Club | Age | 23/24 Goals | Strengths | Valuation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yoane Wissa | Brentford | 28 | 19 | Clinical finishing, movement | £35m |
| Gonçalo Ramos | PSG | 24 | 19 (all comps) | Hold-up play, aerial ability | £45m |
| Antoine Semenyo | Bournemouth | 25 | 13 | Dribbling, creativity | £69m |
The potential club-record £69m move for Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo represents an intriguing alternative.
The Ghanaian winger established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers last season, ranking eighth in shot-creating actions (132) ahead of established stars like Bruno Guimarães and level with Eberechi Eze.
His explosive performance against Liverpool on the opening weekend – including a stunning solo goal reminiscent of Hatem Ben Arfa’s famous strike – demonstrated why data analysts label him a “maverick” and “duel monster.”
While not a direct Isak replacement, Semenyo’s versatility across the frontline and creative output (7 assists last term) would provide Newcastle with a different dimension.
His ability to carry the ball through defensive lines – evidenced by his 125 shots last season (league-high) – offers the Magpies an unpredictability they currently lack.
Comparative Analysis of Newcastle’s Targets
| Metric | Yoane Wissa | Gonçalo Ramos | Antoine Semenyo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League Goals | 19 | N/A | 13 |
| Shot-Creating Actions/90 | 2.8 | 2.1 | 3.7 |
| Successful Take-ons/90 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 2.4 |
| Aerial Duel Win % | 38% | 53% | 41% |
| Expected Threat (xT) | 0.28 | 0.19 | 0.35 |
The numbers reveal each target’s distinct profile: Wissa offers proven goalscoring, Ramos provides target-man qualities, while Semenyo excels in ball progression and chance creation.
This diversity in options suggests Newcastle are building a more multifaceted attack rather than seeking a like-for-like Isak replacement.
PSG’s Ramos presents an interesting wildcard option. Despite struggling to establish himself as a regular starter in Paris, the Portuguese international maintained respectable output (19 goals across all competitions).
His adaptation period remains a concern, but at 24, he represents a long-term investment with resale potential.
The potential departure of Isak – still linked with Liverpool – looms over all these negotiations. While Wissa appears the closest to completion, Newcastle’s interest in multiple targets indicates they recognize no single player can replace the Swedish striker’s output.
Instead, the Magpies seem poised to reinvest any Isak windfall across two or three attacking signings to spread the goalscoring burden.
Semenyo’s potential acquisition would particularly excite fans given his Premier League pedigree and explosive style.
Data analyst Ben Mattinson’s description of the Bournemouth star as “unpredictable on the ball, a workhorse off it” captures why he could thrive under Eddie Howe’s high-intensity system. His ability to play across the front three would also provide tactical flexibility.
As negotiations enter their decisive phase, Newcastle’s hierarchy faces critical decisions. Wissa offers the safest short-term solution, Ramos the highest ceiling, and Semenyo the most exciting profile.
With the season underway and points already dropped, the urgency to conclude deals has never been greater. One thing remains clear – Newcastle cannot afford another window of missed targets if they aspire to build on last season’s Carabao Cup triumph.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the Magpies can secure their primary targets or face another frustrating conclusion to the transfer window.
For Eddie Howe’s side to compete on multiple fronts this season, reinforcing their attacking options isn’t just desirable – it’s essential.