Yoane Wissa’s first appearances in a Newcastle United shirt have already given supporters plenty to talk about, not just because of his energy and movement, but because of the excitement he brings to the forward line.
At 29, Wissa looks like a player who understands his role clearly. He wants to run in behind, he wants to test defenders, and he wants to create chances for himself rather than wait for the game to come to him. That attitude was obvious from the moment he stepped onto the pitch, and it also seemed to lift the players around him.
Jacob Murphy, in particular, looked like he was enjoying the change. With a striker constantly trying to play on the shoulder of the last defender, Murphy suddenly had clear targets for his passes and crosses.
Even when the final ball did not always reach Wissa, there was a noticeable shift in Newcastle’s attacking approach. The team looked more direct, more purposeful, and more willing to take risks in the final third.
It felt like the start of something new, and that feeling has only grown stronger after Wissa spoke openly about the teammate he is most excited to play alongside.
That player is Nick Woltemade. Although the two have not yet shared the pitch together, Wissa has made it clear that the idea of forming a partnership with Woltemade is something he is really looking forward to.
Speaking on the Football Daily podcast, Wissa explained that conversations have already taken place between the two strikers, and there is a genuine belief that they could bring out the best in each other.
Wissa spoke warmly about Woltemade’s qualities, describing him as a very talented player and someone who can make things happen for those around him. From Wissa’s point of view, playing close to Woltemade could be ideal.
He sees Woltemade as the kind of forward who can create space, draw defenders in, and release runners at the right moment. For a striker who thrives on movement and timing, that kind of partnership is extremely appealing.
There was a sense in Wissa’s words that this is not just hopeful talk, but something both players actively want. He spoke about how they have already discussed playing together and how exciting it could be for both of them.
Wissa believes that the relationship would work both ways, with each player helping the other find more freedom and more chances in dangerous areas. For Newcastle fans, that idea alone is enough to spark excitement.
However, as tempting as it sounds, reality suggests supporters may need to be patient. Eddie Howe is currently managing a delicate situation in attack. Woltemade has been dealing with fatigue issues, while Wissa is still working his way back to full match sharpness.
With a packed fixture list and little room for error, it feels more likely that Howe will rotate his strikers rather than throw them together straight away.
Newcastle’s schedule does not help either. Games are coming thick and fast, and managing minutes has become just as important as tactics. Howe knows he cannot afford to overload his forwards, especially when options are already limited.
That reality makes it difficult to imagine both Wissa and Woltemade starting together on a regular basis in the near future, no matter how exciting the idea may be.
Against Fulham, there was another young striker waiting in the wings. Sean Neave, just 18 years old, was named on the bench. He is highly regarded within the club and clearly has potential, but he is still waiting for his senior debut. For now, he remains one for the future rather than an immediate solution.
Elsewhere, Will Osula’s ankle injury continues to keep him sidelined, further reducing Howe’s attacking options. With so few fully fit forwards available, caution is understandable. The manager will want to protect his players while still finding ways to keep Newcastle competitive in every match.
All of this means that the Wissa and Woltemade partnership may take time to arrive. But that does not reduce the excitement around it. If anything, it builds anticipation. Supporters can already imagine how the two might complement each other, with Woltemade’s creativity and presence combining with Wissa’s movement and sharpness.
For now, Newcastle fans will have to enjoy the glimpses they get and trust that, when the moment is right, the partnership will be given a chance to flourish. When it does, it could add a new dimension to the Magpies’ attack and make an already promising forward line even more dangerous.
