Newcastle back in talks to sign long-term target after £25M bid last summer

The striker situation at Newcastle United has taken center stage once again as the club looks to bolster its attacking options following the departure of Callum Wilson.

With negotiations still ongoing for Anthony Elanga and James Trafford, much of the focus on Tyneside now shifts to who will lead the line next season alongside Alexander Isak and promising young talent Will Osula.

The absence of Wilson has left a noticeable gap in the forward department, triggering fresh debate about the direction the club should take—whether to opt for a multi-functional forward or a traditional, out-and-out number nine capable of delivering goals consistently.

Speculation intensified after talkSPORT revealed that Newcastle have reopened talks with Dominic Calvert-Lewin. According to Alex Crook, the outlet’s chief football correspondent, Eddie Howe remains a long-time admirer of the 28-year-old striker, who recently became a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Everton.

Calvert-Lewin’s availability and experience in the Premier League make him a compelling option for a club looking to stretch its budget wisely while reinforcing the front line with reliable firepower.

While his injury record raises eyebrows among some fans, his physical presence, aerial ability, and instinctive finishing offer qualities that could complement Isak and add much-needed depth.

Manchester United have also been linked with the striker, viewing him as an experienced addition to support their youthful attack.

Additionally, newly promoted sides had shown preliminary interest but reportedly stepped away from negotiations after discovering his wage expectations.

Newcastle, by contrast, may find his free-agent status advantageous as they navigate a summer window requiring strategic financial management due to PSR constraints. With no transfer fee involved, the Magpies can potentially negotiate a performance-based contract that limits risk while offering upside should the striker stay fit and rediscover his best form.

Newcastle’s interest in Calvert-Lewin is nothing new. Following the club’s takeover, his name consistently appeared on the radar, with credible reports last summer suggesting a formal £25 million bid was submitted.

However, talks eventually broke down due to Everton’s valuation of £40 million, a figure the Tyneside club deemed excessive for a player with a history of injuries. Discussions surrounding a possible part-exchange involving Yankuba Minteh also reportedly failed to materialize, halting negotiations entirely.

Fast forward to now, and the landscape has changed drastically. Calvert-Lewin’s contract situation means Newcastle could secure a player with top-flight experience, England caps, and Premier League pedigree without paying a transfer fee.

While there are understandable reservations from parts of the fanbase—some of whom question whether Calvert-Lewin still possesses the sharpness and consistency he once showed—it’s important to recognize what Howe has achieved with players others might have written off.

Under his guidance, several individuals have revived their careers and exceeded expectations. Calvert-Lewin, who has endured a challenging few seasons marred by injury and inconsistency, may yet thrive in a more positive and progressive environment.

The decision on whether to move forward with Calvert-Lewin will ultimately depend on the structure of any proposed deal, his fitness assurances, and how well he fits into Howe’s tactical plans.

What’s certain, though, is that Newcastle need another striker before the season kicks off, especially one who can share the burden with Isak across multiple competitions.

Given the financial prudence needed this summer and the limited options in the market, a free transfer for a Premier League-proven striker might make more sense than it seems at first glance.

While not the blockbuster signing some supporters crave, Calvert-Lewin could prove to be a smart, calculated move that offers both depth and experience at a critical time for Newcastle United’s evolving squad.