Newcastle enter race for “the best St on the market”, he may be even better than Isak

Newcastle United have endured a challenging transfer window this summer, navigating a series of disappointments in their quest to strengthen their attacking options.

Despite their persistent efforts, they’ve watched targets like Liam Delap, Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, and Hugo Ekitike slip through their grasp. However, each missed opportunity comes with context.

In Ekitike’s case, Liverpool stepped in with a substantial offer just as Eddie Howe and his recruitment team reaffirmed that Alexander Isak was untouchable.

Ekitike, reportedly valued at €100 million (£85 million), has handed in a transfer request at Eintracht Frankfurt as he looks to complete his move to Anfield.

This has forced Newcastle to shift their attention towards other options, including Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. Unfortunately for the Magpies, that pursuit is already looking uncertain.

Manchester United have made significant progress in their move for Bryan Mbeumo, agreeing on a £71 million fee, a move that directly impacts Newcastle’s chances of landing Wissa.

Brentford, having already lost manager Thomas Frank and captain Christian Norgaard, are unlikely to sanction the departure of yet another key player.

With the Wissa move hanging in the balance, Newcastle have broadened their search and reportedly placed Victor Osimhen on their radar. The Nigerian striker, who spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, remains under contract with Napoli and is now at the center of a tug-of-war between the Italian giants and Galatasaray.

While Napoli are reluctant to let him go for anything less than £64 million, the lure of Premier League football may ultimately prove decisive.

Osimhen’s reputation as a ruthless goal scorer precedes him. His 2024/25 campaign at Galatasaray demonstrated the same goal-hungry instincts that made him one of Europe’s most feared forwards.

A consistent performer across multiple seasons and leagues, Osimhen offers more than just goals—he provides leadership, movement, and a relentless attacking presence.

While Newcastle have no desire to offload Isak, adding a striker like Osimhen would elevate the squad’s quality and provide competition in the attacking department.

Here’s a look at Osimhen’s performance over the last five seasons:

Osimhen’s numbers speak for themselves. He found the net 37 times in 41 appearances last season—ten more than Isak, who scored 27 goals in 42 matches.

Critics may argue that the Turkish Super Lig lacks the intensity of the Premier League, but Osimhen also delivered six goals in seven Europa League matches, including a memorable brace in a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

While Isak managed just one goal in six Champions League appearances last season, Osimhen boasts a more prolific European record with nine goals and one assist from 17 Champions League outings.

Beyond scoring, Osimhen’s overall impact is measurable. According to FBref, he ranked in the top 4% of strikers across Europe for shot-creating actions and top 18% for progressive carries per 90 minutes.

These stats suggest he is not only a finisher but also a forward who actively contributes to team buildup, pressing, and transitions.

In a summer where Newcastle have seen multiple targets fall through, retaining Isak already feels like a win. But bringing in Osimhen would be an even bigger statement.

Not only would it add a proven goal scorer to the ranks, but it would also ensure the team doesn’t rely solely on one player for goals. In fact, Osimhen’s arrival could unlock another level in Isak’s game, whether they share responsibilities or rotate based on the tactical needs of each match.

Newcastle United may have taken a few hits in the market, but the window is far from closed. If they pull off the signing of Osimhen, it would not just soften the blow of losing out on Ekitike—it would eclipse it entirely.