This would prove to be a major departure from Newcastle United transfer policy

Newcastle United could be on the verge of a significant shift in their transfer approach, signaling a potential break from the recruitment blueprint that has shaped their progress since the transformative January 2022 window.

With the Magpies continuing their pursuit of attacking reinforcements following Joao Pedro’s decision to join Chelsea instead, discussions inside St James’ Park have reportedly turned to two new names Ollie Watkins and Yoane Wissa.

The suggestion that either player might be considered marks a departure from the club’s recent youth-focused transfer model.

Eddie Howe appears intent on adding a new striker to his ranks, especially with Callum Wilson no longer seen as the primary backup option.

Strengthening the front line alongside Alexander Isak has now become a priority. While 23-year-old Hugo Ekitike remains of active interest, his £86 million release clause presents a formidable financial hurdle.

The signing of Anthony Elanga for £55 million has already stretched Newcastle’s budget, and adding another big-money deal for Ekitike could compromise efforts to strengthen other key areas of the squad.

In contrast, both Watkins and Wissa offer considerably lower price tags, though still not cheap. Their appeal goes beyond cost. Unlike Ekitike, both are proven Premier League performers with track records that underline their value in top-flight football.

Watkins registered 24 direct goal involvements last season—16 goals and eight assists—while Wissa notched 19 goals and four assists for a total of 23.

These are serious numbers that suggest either could provide immediate returns in terms of goals and flexibility, with both players capable of supporting Isak or operating independently in attack.

Yet, the prospect of signing either player challenges Newcastle’s recent recruitment DNA. Since the January 2022 window, Newcastle have almost exclusively invested in young, high-upside talent.

Apart from the acquisition of 25-year-old Harvey Barnes in 2023, the club has refrained from paying transfer fees for outfield players over the age of 23.

Watkins will turn 30 in December and Wissa will be 29 in September, placing both well outside the typical age bracket targeted under the current regime.

This introduces a dilemma. While neither striker would represent a long-term investment in the same way as a younger player might, each would bring proven quality and experience to a side preparing for another Champions League campaign.

Their age does mean their value would depreciate from the moment a deal is signed, but that may be a sacrifice worth making if the club believes one of them could be the difference between progressing deeper in Europe or falling short.

Importantly, both players are known for their mobility and versatility, which align well with Howe’s tactical demands.

Each could partner Isak in a two-striker system or offer a rotation option to manage the Swede’s workload across four competitions. Such versatility could prove invaluable, especially in a season that will require smart squad management and depth.

This summer may be the moment Newcastle slightly rebalances their approach. While the core philosophy of signing young, developing players will likely remain, the willingness to pursue an experienced option like Watkins or Wissa might signal a more pragmatic outlook.

It suggests that while long-term planning is still central, the club is also prepared to make immediate-impact signings when necessary, especially with the demands of Champions League football on the horizon.

After securing silverware and back-to-back European qualifications, and with Paul Mitchell’s departure handing Eddie Howe even more influence over recruitment, the Newcastle boss may be in his strongest position yet to push for signings that match his tactical needs rather than purely financial strategy.

Whether the final choice is Wissa, Watkins, or another name altogether, the shift could define Newcastle’s ambitions for the upcoming season—and the type of squad they want to build to achieve them.