Newcastle face striker disaster with Goncalo Ramos and Samu Aghehowa updates
Newcastle are facing the looming threat of not signing a striker this summer as the Toon have been handed further blows on two targets.
The Alexander Isak saga remains unresolved, with the striker not participating in pre-season and wanting a move to Liverpool.
Newcastle have stated Isak is not for sale and have rejected a bid of £110million from Liverpool, but have faced difficult adding firepower to their squad in his absence.
Anthony Gordon started up-front against Aston Villa after William Osula failed to impress in pre-season, and it looks like they will go into their next match against Liverpool with no more options to call upon.
Toon to miss out again
Newcastle lost to Man United in a bid to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, whilst Hugo Ekitike chose to join Liverpool instead.
Eddie Howe has missed out on many signings this summer and two more could be added to that list.
The Athletic [21 August], report that PSG’s Goncalo Ramos has a valuation over £50m, and an option for a loan is unlikely.
| Appearances | 88 |
| Goals | 34 |
| Assists | 8 |
Another target, Porto’s Samu Aghehowa, suffered a muscle injury in his last match and a deal for the 21-year-old would be “extremely expensive.”
Howe facing pressure as deadline looms
Football Insider Verdict
Both Ramos and Aghehowa may both be excellent signings for Newcastle, but interest in the pair shows the desperation Howe is under to get a striker and their failure in the transfer market.
Selling club’s will know the Isak situation and know that if Newcastle were to sell the 25-year-old that the funds received would allow Howe to buy any striker he wants.
Newcastle are therefore in a difficult position with just two weeks left before the transfer window shuts, and no signs that they’re any closer to a deal for anyone.
Gordon’s performance at Villa highlighted the necessity for a natural number nine and proven goal scorer.
Howe will struggle to improve on last season’s excellent fifth placed finish and cup success without a new addition up-front.
Ideally, Howe needs two after letting Callum Wilson leave but a deal for Yoane Wissa from Brentford hasn’t progressed despite Newcastle’s latest attempts to sign the forward.