When Alexander Isak left Newcastle United in the summer to join the Premier League champions Liverpool, they replaced him with the signings of Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, but neither replacement has really settled into the departing Swede’s role just yet.
Wissa is yet to make his debut following an injury on international duty, and Woltemade has been handled delicately by Eddie Howe. The Newcastle boss faced questions after the Barcelona game about why Woltemade didn’t receive more minutes: “It’s hard enough for him to come into a new league – and you could see the physical effects he felt with Wolves and then the quick turnaround again.”
There have already been reports that Newcastle are looking to bring in a third striker, with links to a loan move for Real Madrid’s Endrick. However, it now looks like the Magpies are looking further ahead and considering bringing in another permanent new face.
Newcastle ready to pounce if Juventus can't agree new Vlahović deal
Another striker Newcastle could bring in next summer is Juventus’ Dušan Vlahović. Although Juve were willing to listen to offers for the 25-year-old in the summer, they would like to keep him if the two parties can settle the disparity between the wages the club wants to provide and what Vlahović wants to receive, which currently sit at around £373,000-a-week.
However, TeamTalk have reported that if a new contract is not agreed by January, then Newcastle will be free to enter negotiations with Vlahović about bringing him to St James’ Park in the summer. It looks like Juventus will attempt one last push as the report indicates that “serious talks over his future are expected before the end of the year” and that Vlahović will weigh up his options in January.
Vlahović is reportedly willing to test himself with a move to the Premier League, and although there have previously been other English suitors, Newcastle may not face domestic competition for him. Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United have all previously shown interest but have all since brought in expensive strikers of their own. West Ham also reportedly explored the deal but will likely be priced out of it.
Talented Vlahović could saturate striker spot
Serie A legend Christian Vieri has previously described Vlahović as a “top striker” and “one of the best young talents in the world”. Since these quotes, Vlahović has been impressive, but it looks like this season he is taking his game to the next level.
So far this season, the Serbia star has registered seven goal involvements in eight appearances. If he plays 41 games like he did last season, then he is on track to end the campaign with 35 goals + assists, 15 more than last year.
Vlahović would likely be a good player in the Premier League, but the difficulty for Eddie Howe would be balancing the expectations for minutes between him, Wissa and Woltemade, especially the latter, who is a similarly imposing figure and in need of development.
If Newcastle can secure their place as a team that regularly qualifies for the Champions League and goes deep in the competition, then there will be more games available to help satisfy the desire for minutes.