Newcastle now enter the bidding to sign “phenomenal” £30M striker, he’s a Wissa upgrade
The atmosphere around St James’ Park is building with a particular intensity as Newcastle United prepare to face Liverpool in what promises to be a compelling Monday night encounter.
This match carries significance beyond the usual Premier League rivalry, serving as the backdrop to a complex transfer situation that has captured the attention of football supporters everywhere.
The ongoing saga involving Alexander Isak has added an intriguing layer to this fixture. The Swedish striker will not feature against Liverpool, as confirmed by manager Eddie Howe, leaving unanswered questions about whether he will ever wear the famous black and white stripes again.
His absence has forced tactical adjustments, with Anthony Gordon filling in as an emergency center forward during last weekend’s goalless draw at Aston Villa.
While Gordon’s effort and commitment cannot be questioned, the performance highlighted the need for a natural finisher in the squad.
Newcastle’s search for attacking reinforcements has centered primarily on Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, though negotiations have proven challenging.
Despite the player’s apparent desire to join Newcastle, Brentford have rejected two bids so far and remain firm in their valuation.
Wissa’s absence from Brentford’s matchday squad against Aston Villa suggests the situation remains in flux, though whether this indicates an impending transfer or simply ongoing discussions remains unclear.
Comparative Analysis: Sorloth vs. Wissa (Past 365 Days)
| Metric (Per 90) | Alexander Sorloth | Yoane Wissa |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 0.94 | 0.57 |
| Assists | 0.10 | 0.10 |
| Shots Taken | 4.30 | 2.79 |
| Touches (Attacking Penalty Area) | 6.37 | 5.01 |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 1.78 | 2.16 |
| Progressive Passes | 1.97 | 2.06 |
| Progressive Carries | 1.83 | 1.87 |
| Successful Take-ons | 0.84 | 0.44 |
| Aerials Won | 5.04 | 0.92 |
In a interesting development, Newcastle have reportedly entered the race for Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth, creating potential alternatives to their primary target.
The Norwegian international represents a different profile of striker—a physically imposing presence standing at 6’4″ who has developed into a prolific scorer in La Liga after earlier struggles in English football with Crystal Palace.
Sørloth’s journey since his Palace days demonstrates the unpredictable nature of player development.
After scoring just once in twenty appearances during his previous Premier League stint, he rebuilt his career in Turkey with Trabzonspor before establishing himself as a consistent goalscorer in Spain.
His most recent campaign yielded twenty-four goals across all competitions despite starting only twenty matches, demonstrating remarkable efficiency when given opportunities.
The statistical comparison between Sørloth and Wissa reveals two distinct attacking profiles. While Wissa offers creativity and link-up play, Sørloth provides a more direct goal threat and aerial dominance.
His ability to win aerial duels—successful in 51% of his attempts last season—could offer Newcastle a different tactical option, particularly in games where they need to bypass opposition pressing systems.
The potential availability of Sørloth for approximately £30 million represents interesting value in the current market, especially considering his recent output and physical attributes.
However, competition from Tottenham and Napoli means Newcastle would need to move decisively if they identify him as a genuine target.
The broader context of Newcastle’s striking situation remains complex. The departure of Callum Wilson to West Ham has left a vacancy beyond just Isak’s potential exit, meaning the club might need to secure multiple attacking additions before the transfer window closes.
This could theoretically accommodate both Wissa and Sørloth, providing different options for different tactical scenarios.
For Monday’s match against Liverpool, Newcastle will need to focus on the players available rather than those who might arrive.
The performance against Aston Villa demonstrated defensive solidity but also highlighted the need for more cutting edge in the final third.
How Howe sets up his team against the reigning champions will provide insight into his thinking about both the immediate challenge and the longer-term planning as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.
The coming days will prove crucial in determining the composition of Newcastle’s squad for the season ahead.
Whether through the acquisition of Wissa, Sørloth, or other targets, the club must address their attacking needs while managing the complex situation surrounding Isak.
How they navigate these challenges will significantly influence their prospects for the campaign ahead and their ability to build on the progress made under Howe’s leadership.