Craig Hope: Newcastle now plotting move to sign £130k/wk striker alongside Wissa

As the Alexander Isak transfer saga rumbles on, Newcastle United have identified Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins as a prime target should their pursuit of Benjamin Šeško falter and their Swedish talisman depart for Liverpool.

The Magpies’ recruitment team, led by Dan Ashworth’s successor, has assembled a four-man shortlist of potential replacements, with Watkins representing the most proven Premier League commodity among their options.

The situation remains fluid on multiple fronts. Liverpool’s rejected £110 million bid for Isak has not deterred the Merseyside club, with rumors swirling that the striker may consider submitting a transfer request to force through a move.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s £70 million offer for Šeško places them in direct competition with Manchester United for the Slovenian’s signature.

Read Also  Newcastle striker target leaves the pitch in tears after suffering an injury

Should both scenarios unfold unfavorably—Isak leaving and Šeško choosing Old Trafford—Watkins emerges as the contingency plan.

Key Statistics: Ollie Watkins (2024-25 Premier League Season)

MetricPerformance
Appearances38
Goals16
Expected Goals (xG)15.38
Scoring FrequencyEvery 163 minutes
Goals per Game0.42
Conversion Rate27%

Watkins’ credentials as a potential Isak replacement are compelling. The England international has consistently delivered in the Premier League, combining intelligent movement with clinical finishing.

His 16-goal haul last season built upon previous campaigns, demonstrating the kind of reliability Newcastle would need from a marquee striker signing. At 29, Watkins may not represent long-term value, but his immediate impact potential could prove invaluable for a club with European aspirations.

Read Also  He's like Gordon: Newcastle line up move for "magical" ace who's way better than Murphy

Villa’s stance on their star forward remains firm. Having rebuffed Manchester United’s earlier overtures with a £60 million valuation, the Midlands club holds strong negotiating power with Watkins contracted until 2027.

Newcastle would need to meet or exceed that figure while also convincing the player to forgo potential Champions League football elsewhere.

Beyond Watkins, Newcastle’s shortlist includes alternative options with differing profiles:

  • Jørgen Strand Larsen (Wolves): The Norwegian target man impressed during his debut Premier League season, offering physicality and aerial dominance. At 25, his potential resale value makes him an attractive proposition.
  • Yoane Wissa (Brentford): A more technically versatile option, though his current standoff with Brentford complicates any potential deal. The Bees’ £50 million valuation remains a sticking point.
Read Also  Newcastle clears Alexander Isak statement after week absence as transfer boost eyed

The coming days will prove pivotal in determining Newcastle’s attacking lineup for the upcoming season. If Šeško opts for Manchester United and Isak agitates for a Liverpool move, Watkins becomes the logical centerpiece of their restructured attack.

His Premier League pedigree and familiarity with Eddie Howe’s preferred high-pressing system make him a safer bet than unproven imports, albeit at a premium price.

For now, Newcastle’s hierarchy must navigate this complex web of negotiations and contingencies. Their ability to secure an adequate replacement whether Šeško, Watkins, or another target will define their summer business and shape their prospects for the season ahead.

One certainty remains: the Magpies cannot afford to be left short-handed if their talismanic striker depart.