Newcastle United appear to have wasted no time in finalising their summer transfer plans, at the culmination of one of the club’s greatest ever seasons. Eddie Howe has reportedly held transfer talks with chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan in the hours immediately succeeding the end of the Premier League season.
The Magpies secured a Champions League spot on a treacherous final day of the League season, significantly enhancing their transfer ambitions. It has since emerged that Newcastle are prioritising their search for a new centre forward, to play alongside, and provide cover for Alexander Isak.
According to Mark Douglas, Newcastle have pinpointed strikers from two separate Premier League rivals as summer targets. Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro are both said to be under consideration by the Carabao Cup winners.
Newcastle United Look to Build on Dream Campaign
A regular debate in pubs and living rooms across Tyneside in recent weeks, is just where the 2024/25 season ranks in Newcastle’s club history. Regardless of the differing viewpoints, the general consensus is that it undoubtedly ranks extremely highly.
The feel-good factor around Newcastle United has risen to generational heights. A season that saw a 56-year wait for a trophy ended at Wembley, had its crowning moment in the shape of Champions League qualification.
Now, the club has the opportunity to strengthen their squad in preparation for a second Champions League campaign in three seasons. Having battled hard against profit and sustainability rules for the past three transfer windows, Newcastle have reportedly obtained a degree of financial freedom for the months ahead.
With the purse strings seemingly loosened, Eddie Howe can begin to build a squad capable of competing in multiple competitions next term. He also reiterated in his press conference following the final day defeat to Everton, that Newcastle must act fast to get deals over the line.
“We have to be dynamic and ready to conclude things very, very quickly. Because good players don’t hang around for long.” Eddie Howe
The 47-year-old has regularly spoken of quality over quantity in regard to his transfer plans. While the Magpies appear to be constantly linked to goalkeepers, a centre-back and a right-sided attacker are said to be of extreme priority this summer.
But with regular midweek matches and European travel ahead, a brand new goal-getter looks destined to arrive at St James’ Park.
Current Striker Situation at Newcastle United
In Alexander Isak, the Geordies have one of the most prolific and sought-after forward men in world football. While Newcastle was always likely to ignore any advances for the Swede, their Champions League qualification has been welcome in silencing the noise surrounding Isak’s future.
With Callum Wilson’s contract set to expire, David Ornstein reports that Newcastle have offered an incentive-based new deal to the 33-year-old. Wilson, who appeared to share a tearful moment with the Gallowgate end on the final day of the season, has scored 50 goals for Newcastle.
The former AFC Bournemouth man established himself as a hero on Tyneside during the Steve Bruce era, where his goals proved vital.
Newcastle’s third striking option William Osula has been used sparingly this campaign. The energy and enthusiasm he has shown during his many substitute appearances have endeared him to the Geordie faithful. The Dane was rewarded with his first Premier League goal in a 3-0 win over Ipswich at the end of April.
Young Premier League Strikers on the Newcastle United Radar
Newcastle have made their intention to bring in high quality additions abundantly clear, ever since the Public Investment Funds takeover, and their latest striker targets are no different.
The saga concerning the identity of Liam Delap’s next club has been on the agenda ever since Ipswich Town’s relegation became inevitable. It quickly became apparent that the 22-year-old would be playing top-flight football next season, even if the Tractor Boys would not.
Newcastle are one of a clutch of clubs interested in Delap, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Everton all linked. According to Fraser Fletcher, Newcastle have delivered a compelling pitch to Delap and his representative’s that St James’ is the best venue to aid his development.
Delap scored 12 Premier League goals this season, exactly a third of Ipswich’s entire tally. The England youth international’s physicality would provide a welcome new dimension to the Magpies attack, with considerable game time a certainty.
Another player attracting strong interest from Newcastle is Brighton and Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro. The 23-year-old was at the centre of 16 goal involvements this season for the Seagulls.
The Brazilian is the international teammate of current Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes. The opportunity to link up with his compatriots could prove tempting, especially if he learns just how much the Newcastle fans love their Brazilian players.