Craig Hope: Newcastle now eyeing move to sign £100m ‘monster’ striker alongside Sesko
The summer transfer window continues to unfold with dramatic twists as Newcastle United cast their net wider in the search for attacking reinforcements.
With Alexander Isak’s departure appearing increasingly inevitable, Eddie Howe’s recruitment team has identified Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson as a potential solution to their impending striker crisis.
This development comes alongside their well-documented interest in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, creating a multi-pronged approach to replace their Swedish talisman.
Jackson’s emergence as a concrete target signals Newcastle’s pragmatic approach to squad rebuilding. The Senegalese international finds himself in a curious position at Stamford Bridge following Chelsea’s acquisition of Liam Delap and João Pedro – two signings that have dramatically reshaped the Blues’ attacking hierarchy.
While Chelsea initially envisioned Jackson as a long-term project when signing him from Villarreal for £32 million in 2023, his development has reached a crossroads.
Thirty goals and twelve assists in 81 appearances represent respectable output, yet the club’s relentless pursuit of upgrades has left his future uncertain.
A closer examination of Jackson’s Premier League contributions last season reveals both promise and room for improvement:
| Metric | Nicolas Jackson (2024/25) |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 30 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Minutes Played | 2,240 |
| Goals per 90 | 0.40 |
| Shot Conversion | 14.9% |
| Big Chances Missed | 11 |
These statistics paint the picture of a raw but dangerous forward whose physical attributes – blistering pace, aerial prowess, and relentless work rate – align well with Eddie Howe’s tactical demands.
Jackson’s ability to stretch defenses with his movement could provide Newcastle with a different dimension compared to Isak’s more technical approach.
However, the £100 million valuation Chelsea have placed on their striker raises serious questions about value for money, particularly when compared to Šeško’s £70 million price tag or Watkins’ proven Premier League pedigree.
The financial dynamics of this potential transaction grow even more complex when considering Newcastle’s impending windfall from Isak’s sale.
Liverpool’s anticipated £100-120 million offer, bolstered by their £66 million sale of Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich, would provide significant reinvestment potential.
Yet spending the majority of those funds on Jackson alone seems improbable given Newcastle’s need to strengthen multiple positions.
This explains their parallel pursuit of Šeško, whose younger age and higher ceiling make him a more attractive long-term investment despite requiring similar outlay.
Jackson’s potential arrival at St James’ Park would represent a calculated gamble rather than a guaranteed success story.
His Chelsea tenure has showcased tantalizing glimpses of world-class potential – memorable performances against Tottenham and Manchester United spring to mind – but also frustrating inconsistency in front of goal.
Eleven big chances missed last season highlights the composure issues that still plague his game, a concern for a Newcastle side that cannot afford profligacy if they hope to challenge for European places.
From a tactical perspective, Jackson’s versatility could prove invaluable. Capable of leading the line or operating from wide positions, he offers Howe the flexibility to deploy various systems.
His defensive work rate – averaging 1.5 tackles and 6.3 ball recoveries per 90 minutes – aligns perfectly with the high-pressing philosophy that brought Newcastle such success in recent seasons.
These attributes make him a more natural fit than Wissa, whose more advanced age and limited physical presence raise questions about his suitability for Howe’s demanding system.
The coming weeks promise to be decisive in Newcastle’s striker search. With Isak’s move to Liverpool gaining momentum and preseason preparations already underway, the Magpies hierarchy faces mounting pressure to secure adequate replacements.
Jackson represents an intriguing option, but whether he can fill the void left by a striker who contributed 40% of Newcastle’s league goals last season remains doubtful. This explains why Šeško continues to lead their wishlist, with Jackson likely viewed as either a secondary option or potential partner rather than direct replacement.
As the transfer window enters its most volatile phase, Newcastle’s decision-making will reveal much about their long-term vision. Pursuing Jackson demonstrates ambition, but paying Chelsea’s inflated asking price could hamper their ability to address other squad deficiencies.
The smarter play may involve channeling resources toward Šeško while seeking more cost-effective alternatives to bolster attacking depth. One thing is certain – with the season fast approaching, Newcastle cannot afford protracted negotiations or missed targets. The time for decisive action has arrived, and their choices in the striker market could define their entire campaign.
For Jackson himself, a move to Tyneside could represent the fresh start his career needs. Freed from Chelsea’s relentless rotation policy and given the central role he craves, the 23-year-old might finally fulfill his undoubted potential.
But at £100 million, Newcastle would be paying for hoped-for development rather than proven quality – always a dangerous game in the cutthroat world of Premier League football.
As the Magpies weigh their options, they must determine whether Jackson’s physical gifts and room for growth justify such massive expenditure, or if their limited funds would be better spent elsewhere. The answer to that question could shape Newcastle’s trajectory for years to come.