Talks held: Newcastle waiting to pounce for £69m "monster", he'd be the next Mitrovic

The tension at St James’ Park has reached fever pitch as Newcastle United scramble to replace Alexander Isak, whose relationship with the club appears irreparably damaged following Liverpool’s summer approach.

The Swedish striker’s refusal to reintegrate with Eddie Howe’s squad has forced Newcastle’s recruitment team into urgent action, with Porto’s Samu Aghehowa emerging as their primary target to fill the impending void.

At just 21 years old, Aghehowa represents both a stylistic and symbolic successor to Isak. The Spanish striker’s towering 1.93m frame and 27-goal debut season for Porto have drawn inevitable comparisons to Aleksandar Mitrović’s arrival nearly a decade ago.

Like the Serbian icon, Aghehowa combines raw physicality with surprising technical refinement – a blend that has talent scout Jacek Kulig labeling him a “complete monster” of a forward.

Comparative Analysis: Aghehowa vs. Current Options

Metric	Samu Aghehowa	Alexander Isak	Nicolas Jackson
Height	1.93m	1.92m	1.86m
24/25 Goals	27	25	16
Shot Accuracy	37.2%	43.1%	31.5%
Aerial Duels Won/90	4.7	2.1	3.2
Progressive Passes	28	42	19

Newcastle’s interest in Aghehowa follows several high-profile striker rejections. Benjamin Šeško’s decision to join Manchester United forced the Magpies to explore alternatives, with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson remaining an option despite concerns over his finishing consistency.

The potential £70 million valuation for Aghehowa reflects both his potential and the inflated market for young strikers with European pedigree.

The Mitrović Parallels Run Deep

The similarities between Aghehowa’s potential arrival and Mitrović’s 2015 transfer extend beyond physical attributes:

Both joined Newcastle as 20/21-year-olds with Champions League experience
Each possessed the technical foundation to develop beyond target-man stereotypes
Their fearless mentality instantly resonated with the St James’ Park faithful

Mitrović’s eventual success at Fulham (111 goals in 206 appearances) demonstrates how Newcastle’s physical striker prototype can flourish with proper development.

Aghehowa’s six Europa League goals last season, including a brace against Manchester United, suggest he could make an immediate impact while offering long-term upside.

Negotiation Hurdles and Timing Crisis

Porto’s strong negotiating position complicates matters:

€80 million (£70m) valuation reflects Aghehowa’s importance
Atlético Madrid’s 50% sell-on clause requires careful financial structuring
No pressure to sell with Champions League football secured

Newcastle’s hierarchy faces an agonizing decision – meet Porto’s demands now or risk entering the season with diminished firepower.

The situation mirrors their 2022 striker crisis when failing to replace Andy Carroll left them dangerously short.

Strategic Implications for Howe’s System

Aghehowa’s skill set offers tactical flexibility:

Aerial Dominance – Would thrive on crosses from Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes
Hold-up Play – Could bring midfield runners like Jacob Ramsey into play
Pressing Resistance – Physicality suits Howe’s transition-heavy approach

The Spaniard’s 5.45 penalty area touches per 90 (86th percentile among forwards) demonstrate his poacher’s instinct, while his 77.8% pass completion shows surprising link-play ability for a target man.

With the Premier League opener against Aston Villa looming, Newcastle must navigate multiple challenges:

Resolve Isak’s future – Sell now or risk depreciating asset
Finalize Aghehowa negotiations – Structure deal to satisfy Porto and Atlético
Integrate new signings – Thiaw, Ramsey, and Wissa need tactical assimilation

The coming weeks will test Newcastle’s recruitment strategy like never before. Securing Aghehowa would represent both a statement signing and a potential masterstroke – the kind of calculated gamble that could define their season.

For a fanbase that cherishes its cult heroes, the powerful Spaniard might just be the next in line to capture Geordie hearts.