Craig Hope: Newcastle “really like” £60m striker, he’s a Wissa & Strand Larsen upgrade
The search for a new striker has become the defining story of Newcastle United’s summer, creating a pressing need that was clearly visible during their season opener against Aston Villa.
While the team showed moments of real quality in their goalless draw, the absence of a natural center-forward ultimately proved costly in the final third, where clinical finishing made the difference between one point and three.
At the center of this situation sits Alexander Isak, whose relationship with the club has reached a critical point.
The Swedish international has made his position unmistakably clear through both actions and words—he remains separate from first-team training and recently reinforced his stance through a social media statement citing broken promises as the reason for seeking a fresh start elsewhere.
This standoff has created a complex challenge for Newcastle’s leadership, who find themselves balancing the player’s desires against the club’s needs.
The club’s firm position remains that Isak will not be allowed to join Liverpool until suitable replacements are secured.
This principle has taken on increased urgency as several potential targets have already moved elsewhere.
Benjamin Šeško’s transfer to Manchester United and Wolverhampton’s refusal to entertain offers for Jørgen Strand Larsen have limited the options available.
Even Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, another name on their list, comes with complications as both Aston Villa and Bayern Munich have registered serious interest.
Comparative Analysis of Striker Targets
| Metric | Ollie Watkins | Yoane Wissa | Jørgen Strand Larsen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League Goals (2024/25) | 16 | 19 | 14 |
| Assists | 8 | 4 | 4 |
| Total Shots | 82 | 90 | 54 |
| Pass Completion Rate | 72.4% | 76.5% | 64.6% |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 53 | 69 | 42 |
| Progressive Carries/90 | 1.90 | 1.85 | 0.59 |
| Shots on Target/90 | 1.25 | 1.31 | 1.15 |
This detailed comparison illustrates why Newcastle’s recruitment team has developed such strong interest in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
According to Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope, the England international has emerged as a primary target who could provide the ideal solution to their striking dilemma.
Watkins brings several advantages that make him particularly appealing for Newcastle’s specific situation. His consistent Premier League performance 16 goals in 38 appearances last season demonstrates the reliability that Newcastle desperately need.
Beyond the raw numbers, his playing style offers the blend of off-the-ball movement and link-up play that would suit Eddie Howe’s system perfectly.
His ability to make progressive carries (1.90 per 90 minutes) and create shooting opportunities for himself and others addresses exactly what was missing against Villa.
The statistics reveal Watkins as the most balanced option among the candidates. While Wissa posted slightly better goal numbers and Strand Larsen shows promise, Watkins’ all-around contribution including his eight assists shows he can elevate the entire attacking unit rather than just providing a finishing touch.
His experience in English football and familiarity with the league’s demands means he could make an immediate impact without requiring an adaptation period.
Financial considerations naturally play a role in this evaluation. Villa’s £60 million valuation places Watkins in a similar price range to both Wissa and Strand Larsen, but his homegrown status and proven track record make that investment appear more secure.
Unlike Wissa, who would likely miss part of the 2026 season due to AFCON commitments, Watkins offers availability throughout the campaign a crucial factor given Newcastle’s potential fixture congestion across four competitions.
The comparison also reveals some limitations in Watkins’ game. His success rate in one-on-one situations (24.4%) trails behind both Wissa (30.6%) and Strand Larsen (40.0%), suggesting he’s less effective when asked to beat defenders through individual skill.
However, this weakness matters less in Howe’s system, which emphasizes quick combinations, runs behind defensive lines, and efficient finishing—all areas where Watkins excels.
What ultimately makes Watkins such an appealing option is his proven ability to perform at the required level consistently.
Where Strand Larsen represents a gamble on potential and Wissa comes with questions about maintaining his career-best form, Watkins offers the reliability that a club with European ambitions requires.
His fitness record and ability to handle the physical demands of Premier League football further strengthen the case for his acquisition.
As Newcastle navigate these final days of the transfer window, their decision will significantly influence their season’s trajectory.
The right signing could provide the goals needed to challenge on multiple fronts, while a misstep could leave them struggling to convert promising performances into positive results.
Watkins represents the safe, proven option in a market short of guaranteed quality, making him worth the substantial investment required to secure his services.