Newcastle United are beginning to find their rhythm again after a mixed start to the new season. For the first time in the campaign, Eddie Howe’s side have secured back-to-back wins, lifting the mood at St James’ Park.
The Magpies brushed aside Union Saint-Gilloise 4–0 away in the Champions League before returning home to beat Nottingham Forest 2–0 in the Premier League.
Those results were much-needed after a difficult run that included tough fixtures against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Barcelona.
A big reason for the recent upturn in form has been the performances of new signing Nick Woltemade. The German striker, signed for a club-record £69 million from Stuttgart, has quickly adapted to life in England.
He arrived amid heavy expectations, brought in to fill the void left by Alexander Isak’s departure, and so far, he has handled the pressure impressively.
Woltemade has made only seven appearances for Newcastle but has already scored four goals, including three in his first four Premier League games.
His latest strike came in the win over Nottingham Forest, where he showed composure from the penalty spot, firing confidently into the top corner.
His energy, strength, and technical ability have added a fresh spark to Newcastle’s attack, earning praise from club legend Alan Shearer, who described his start as “really promising.”
While Woltemade’s early form has been encouraging, there’s an interesting twist to this story. A striker who once wore the famous black and white stripes of Newcastle is currently outscoring the young German and the Magpies sold him for just £350,000. That player is none other than England international Ivan Toney.
Toney’s time at Newcastle was brief and unremarkable. He made just four senior appearances and never managed to score a goal for the club.
After a series of loan spells in the lower divisions, he was sold to Peterborough United for a modest fee a decision that, in hindsight, looks like one of Newcastle’s biggest transfer mistakes in recent years.
From Peterborough, Toney’s career took off. His eye for goal and intelligent movement eventually earned him a move to Brentford, where he became one of the Premier League’s most clinical forwards.
After a successful spell in England, Toney moved to Saudi Arabia, where he now plays for Al-Ahli. Despite the change of environment, his sharpness in front of goal hasn’t faded.
This season, Toney has been in exceptional form. In just ten games for Al-Ahli, he’s scored eight goals and provided one assist already double Woltemade’s tally for Newcastle.
He’s continued to prove why many still regard him as one of England’s most dangerous finishers, combining power, precision, and awareness inside the box.
His record in Saudi Arabia underlines his consistency:
| Stat (per 90) | 2024/25 | 2025/26 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 0.8 | 0.8 |
| Shots on target | 2.0 | 1.1 |
| Big chances missed | 1.0 | 0.8 |
| Key passes | 1.2 | 0.8 |
| Aerial duels won | 1.3 | 1.6 |
These numbers show a striker who remains a complete threat, not only scoring regularly but also contributing creatively and physically. Even in a different league, Toney’s instincts haven’t dulled he continues to find ways to influence matches decisively.
Had Newcastle retained him, they might have had a proven goalscorer entering his prime. Statman Dave once described Toney as a “clinical” striker, and it’s hard to disagree given his record.
For just £350,000, the Magpies let go of a player who has since evolved into one of the most consistent forwards of his generation.
Of course, hindsight is easy. When Newcastle sold Toney, he was still raw and developing, far from the polished finisher he has become.
Few could have predicted the heights he would reach, but the fact remains that his departure now looks like a costly oversight.
As Newcastle continue to build a squad capable of competing with Europe’s elite, stories like Toney’s serve as a reminder of how unpredictable football careers can be.
Today, Nick Woltemade carries the hopes of the Geordie faithful, and his performances suggest a bright future ahead. Yet somewhere across the Middle East, a former Magpie is proving week after week that Newcastle once had another gem in their hands one they let slip away too soon.
Toney’s success is a testament to perseverance and growth, but also a subtle sting for the club that once sold him for less than the price of a youth prospect.
While Newcastle move forward with fresh ambition and a talented young striker in Woltemade, the story of Ivan Toney remains a lesson in patience, timing, and the unpredictable journey of football talent.
