Newcastle offered “more complete CF than Haaland” for £35m, he’ll love Elanga & Gordon
The summer transfer window has presented Newcastle United with one overriding priority that continues to dominate their planning and preparations—finding a solution to their striking situation.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak has created a challenging environment for manager Eddie Howe, who ideally would prefer stability and clarity as he prepares his team for the demands of another Premier League season and their return to Champions League football.
Newcastle’s opening match against Aston Villa highlighted both the team’s strengths and their most obvious limitation.
While they controlled large portions of the game and demonstrated their ability to compete against quality opposition, the absence of a clinical finisher meant their dominance ultimately counted for little in terms of the final scoreline.
The performance underlined what everyone already knew—this team creates opportunities but needs someone to convert them consistently.
The Isak situation has complicated matters significantly. The Swedish international’s public statements about broken promises and his apparent unwillingness to reintegrate into the squad have created a standoff that shows no immediate signs of resolution.
While Newcastle remain firm in their position that they won’t sanction his departure without securing adequate replacements, the player’s stance has undoubtedly affected the squad’s dynamics during a crucial period of preparation.
Dusan Vlahović’s Recent Serie A Performance
| Statistic | 2024/25y Season |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 29 |
| Starts | 21 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Progressive Carries | 27 |
| Progressive Passes | 22 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 48% |
| Shot Conversion Rate | 18% |
In their search for solutions, Newcastle have explored several options. Their interest in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is well documented, though negotiations have proven difficult with the West London club standing firm on their valuation.
Alternatives like Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jørgen Strand Larsen and Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth present different profiles and challenges, leaving Newcastle to weigh multiple factors as they consider their next move.
A new possibility has emerged from Juventus, where financial considerations have made Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović available for transfer.
The Italian club’s need to balance their books has created an opportunity that might not have existed earlier in the window, with the asking price now reportedly around €38 million significantly less than the €85 million valuation he commanded at his peak.
Vlahović’s profile makes him an interesting potential solution for Newcastle’s needs. His physical presence, technical quality, and experience at the highest level suggest he could adapt well to the demands of Premier League football.
His goal record in Serie A 10 goals in 29 appearances last season demonstrates his ability to find the net consistently against organized defenses.
The potential partnership between Vlahović and Newcastle’s wide players presents an particularly appealing aspect of this possible transfer.
The summer arrival of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest gives Newcastle another creative option alongside the established quality of Anthony Gordon.
Both players excel at delivering quality service into the penalty area, with Elanga recording 11 assists last season and Gordon demonstrating his ability to create opportunities through both crossing and intelligent passing.
Vlahović’s aerial ability and movement in the penalty area could make him the ideal target for the service these wide players can provide.
His physical presence would also offer Newcastle a different tactical option, allowing them to vary their approach against different opponents and situations. This flexibility could prove valuable across a long season featuring multiple competitions.
However, significant hurdles remain before any potential deal could be completed. Vlahović’s substantial wages reportedly around €12 million per year would represent a major commitment for Newcastle, particularly within the constraints of Financial Fair Play regulations.
The club’s previous investments this summer, including the signings of Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale, mean careful consideration would be required to structure any deal appropriately.
The player’s own perspective also factors into the equation. While reportedly open to the idea of Premier League football eventually, Vlahović may need convincing that now represents the right moment for such a move.
Newcastle’s Champions League qualification and the passionate support at St James’ Park could help persuade him, but the decision ultimately rests with the player and his representatives.
For Newcastle, the coming days will involve careful evaluation of all their options. The Isak situation continues to create uncertainty, but the club must balance their desire for a positive resolution with the practical need to ensure they have adequate attacking options for the season ahead.
Whether Vlahović represents the right solution depends on multiple factors—financial, tactical, and personal—that the club’s leadership must weigh carefully.
As the transfer window enters its final phase, Newcastle find themselves at a crossroads. Their decisions in the coming days could significantly influence their prospects for the season ahead and their ability to build on the progress made under Howe’s leadership.
The right addition could provide the missing piece that transforms their attacking play, while a misstep could leave them struggling to convert possession and chances into the points needed to achieve their objectives.