‘Worrying Newcastle United claim made after latest summer hijack’
Newcastle United’s location may be holding them back from competing with their rivals to sign top players, according to Jamie O’Hara.
The Magpies are preparing for a return to Champions League football this season after finishing fifth in the Premier League last campaign.
However, Eddie Howe has endured an incredibly frustrating summer, missing out on the signing of long-time target Hugo Ekitike after Liverpool hijacked their deal, while the same looks to be happening with goalkeeper James Trafford, who is likely to re-join Manchester City from Burnley.
Newcastle have still managed to sign Anthony Elanga and Spanish youngster Antonito Cordero, but more depth and quality are required if they’re to compete at Europe’s top table.
Newcastle held back by location
Alongside losing out on Ekitike, Newcastle still face a battle to keep hold of star striker Alexander Isak, who remains a target of Liverpool after notching 52 goals over the last two seasons combined.
The Sweden international is currently absent from Newcastle’s pre-season tour in Asia.
But what is the source of their market frustrations?
Former Tottenham and Portsmouth midfielder O’Hara believes that geography is majorly hindering the Magpies, aside from the fact that they’re competing against clubs with far more prestige.
“Let me tell you now, foreign players will choose London over Newcastle every time,” O’Hara said in a talkSPORT debate with Dean Saunders (23 July).
“They will Dean, you know that’s true. And whether that’s right or not, Newcastle are a great football club, but you have other situations that come into effect with wives, children, where they want to be.
“Newcastle, geographically, is a little bit of an issue for them, because they’re up north.”
Saunders responded: “Maybe their families, it might come into it. Their wives might say ‘alright, well I’ll come to London, but I’m not going to Newcastle. London is a bit easier to get home and for my family to come and see me’.
“But from a playing point of view, you just go for the best team. You’re going to win trophies playing with the best players.”
O’Hara then bluntly responded: “That’s why they sign for Liverpool.”
Newcastle must move quickly to sign Wissa after Ekitike nightmare
Football Insider verdict
Newcastle will still be hurting from missing out on Ekitike, but they’re making swift moves to try and put that right, with an approach made for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.
The DR Congo striker netted 19 Premier League goals last season to help the Bees to a top-half finish, with that form bringing plenty of interest in the market.
| Brentford stats | Yoane Wissa |
| Appearances | 149 |
| Goals | 49 |
| Assists | 13 |
It’s understood Newcastle have already lodged their first bid, but Brentford will drive a high price after already selling Bryan Mbeumo, Mark Flekken and Christian Norgaard this summer.
What’s more, there will be plenty of anxiety around St. James’ Park with the knowledge that Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in Wissa.
Aside from the advantage of having Wissa’s former manager, Thomas Frank, as a negotiating advantage, O’Hara’s claim about players preferring London over Newcastle could come into play here — especially with the striker already located in the capital.
With that in mind, Howe and Newcastle must move swiftly to cut off any interest from the Lilywhites and secure their man.