Newcastle told to pull the plug on Samu Aghehowa deal – ‘I’ve analysed his heatmaps’
Newcastle United have been told to avoid signing FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa this summer.
The 21-year-old is one of the options for Eddie Howe’s side, as they look for an Alexander Isak replacement.
Isak could be set to join Liverpool, following a chaotic transfer saga in which he has reportedly said he will never play for the Tyneside club again.
Earlier this week (13 August), Football Insider exclusively revealed that Newcastle were considering a formal offer for Aghehowa.
However, Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that the Magpies should stay away from completing a deal for the Spaniard.
‘Samu Aghehowa cannot replace Alexander Isak’
This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen CEO.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Aghehowa is a completely different player than Isak, and not what Newcastle need at this moment in time.
Last season, the Spain international managed 19 goals in the Portuguese top division for Porto, from just 30 appearances.
Wyness added that Yoane Wissa would be a better option for Newcastle.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, you look at Samu, and you look at his data, playing style and heatmaps compared to Isak. Isak could move. He can take the ball. He can dribble. He can run at defences.
“I’m afraid Samu looks as though he’s a stationary in the box finisher. I don’t think that’s what Newcastle need right now.
“I was a little bit concerned. Anthony Gordon’s injury the other week didn’t look good. If you’ve got Gordon providing balls for him in the middle, then that’s one thing. I don’t think he’s the type they need.
“Nicolas Jackson probably might suit them more, but again, I’m not a big fan. So I think they’re still looking.
“Wissa from Brentford still could be on for Newcastle now. They’ve got to land something fairly soon because we all know the pressure builds. It’s phenomenal how the pressure builds from the fans.”
Newcastle get massive boost in Yoane Wissa pursuit
Meanwhile, Brentford agreeing a deal to sign Dango Ouattara will open the door for Wissa to complete his move to Newcastle, sources have told Football Insider.
Brentford have “dug their heels in” over Wissa’s future at the Gtech Community Stadium this summer, with a £25million bid from Newcastle rejected and the Congolese forward going on strike as a result.
Football Insider sources have said Brentford won’t sanction any moves for Wissa until a replacement is found.
However, the Bees are closing in on Bournemouth’s Ouattara, with a £37m deal set to be completed in the coming days, which would allow the 28-year-old to join the Tyneside club.
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