After dropping out of the race to sign Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle United are now reportedly in active talks to sign a 19-goal striker who St James’ Park chiefs “love”.
Newcastle drop out of Ekitike race
A week is a long time in the summer transfer window and Newcastle have experienced that in the most ruthless way possible once again. Having looked on course to sign Ekitike, Newcastle have since seen their deal hijacked by Premier League rivals Liverpool and have subsequently dropped out of the race for the Frenchman’s signature, according to reports.
It’s yet another setback for the Magpies in their search to sign a striker, but one they must move on from quickly if they are to reinforce their frontline before the Premier League gets back underway next month.
Whilst there will be some relief around Tyneside that Alexander Isak remains a Newcastle player, Eddie Howe will be well aware that he must welcome a backup option before the end of the window if Newcastle are to compete on all fronts next season.
To that end, names such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and even RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko have threatened to steal the headlines as of late, with the latter a particular standout. As alternative options for Ekitike go, the Serbian should be up there with the very top candidates on Newcastle’s list.
Starts
2,380
2,563
Goals
13
15
Assists
5
8
Expected Goals
10
21.6
As impressive as Sesko is, however, the most recent reports suggest that Newcastle could yet prioritise a deal to sign a more familiar face this summer.
Newcastle now in active talks with Yoane Wissa
As reported by Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Newcastle are now in active talks with Yoane Wissa and his camp as they look to secure his signature. As has been the case in pursuit of many targets this summer, though, the forward won’t come cheap. Brentford, who are facing the prospect of losing both Wissa and Mbeumo, reportedly value the 28-year-old at a hefty £50m.
Given that he scored 19 Premier League goals last season, that price may well be one worth paying for the Magpies, who will be desperate to finally end their search for a striker.
Speaking about the interest in Wissa, Bailey told TBR: “Yoane Wissa’s camp are speaking to four or five different clubs at the moment, Tottenham and Newcastle are two of them, and both would love to sign him.”
Newcastle now plotting shock £50m move to sign "brilliant" South American
This would be one of the most unexpected moves of the summer.
ByTom CunninghamJul 17, 2025
Fending off any interest from former Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Tottenham Hotspur may prove to be a tough task, but Newcastle have the money to spend and should look to do so as soon as possible following their Ekitike disappointment.