Having finally started their summer spending with the signing of Anthony Elanga, we’re all wondering where Newcastle United go next with three or four more needed ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Despite obvious plans to sign a new centre-back and goalkeeper, it looks like the club is set on recruiting a new striker next.
Having missed out on previous target Joao Pedro to Chelsea, it remains to be seen if we’ll now go for another versatile option like the Brazilian, or turn to more of an out-and-out No. 9 instead.
Craig Hope has delivered a Saturday night update on our striker plans, revealing two names right in the mix as we plan our next move:
Two striker targets confirmed?
According to Craig Hope at The Mail, Newcastle’s striker search is ‘now in full swing’ with a move for Brentord’s Yoane Wissa now being worked on.
The Telegraph reported this afternoon that Hugo Ekitike of Eintract Frankfurt is an ambitious target, and Hope echoes this message, saying the Frenchman is ‘on the list’ alongside Wissa as we weigh up approaches for both.
As Hope rightly states, the two are very different profiles; different ages, different styles and two forwards who will also demand very different transfer fees.
Ekitike (23) is expected to cost upwards of £70m, according to recent reports, while Nottingham Forest failed with a £25m bid for Wissa (28) in midweek, with Brentford said to want almost double that for the Congolese striker.
See Hope’s tweet below, which adds to this feeling that Newcastle have turned their focus to signing a quality Callum Wilson replacement:
🐝 Newcastle striker search now in full swing & a move for Yoane Wissa is being explored, among others
🇫🇷 Hugo Ekitike also on the list
🤔 Different profiles & prices among targets & options being weighed up ahead of approaches #nufc
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) July 12, 2025
Does Wissa make more sense?
Many feel like Ekitike isn’t realistic. If we managed to pull it off while keeping Isak, it’s some signing, but is a 23-year-old tracked by some of Europe’s top clubs going to join if he isn’t guaranteed starts?!
Wissa’s reported £50m asking price would have to come down, and we’d have to hold off competition from Spurs, but he could be a superb Wilson replacement.
He was amongst the Premier League’s top scorers last season, scoring 19 goals, which ticks that Premier League proven box immediately, with 31 top flight strikes over the past two years.
He is 28, but that’s five years younger than Wilson, not to mention the fact he can also play out wide, offering that versatility Howe often loves.
Don’t think we’ll get either of them!
No way Newcastle will pay the money to unlock Ekitike’s release clause which is what it will take to get a free run at him.
Brentford want too much money for a player nearly 29 years old!
If Newcastle did make a bid with Spurs coming in at the same time he will go there with Franck being manager and not having to leave London.
Personally, I would love either of them but it is an act in futility so it’s back to the drawing board.
X.Y,WHY,MAN.(Quote)
Hugo defensive work is not great .. fast and good dribbler likes to come in from the right ..played with marmoush in a two striker up front for Frankfurt. Was a failure at PSG .. ., this is another media story .. like Guei .. wash rinse repeat ..£70 million..very doubtful from fluke edwards .. Wissa will join spurs and his old boss .., Scalvini Centre back should be the priority
Mike(Quote)
What’s their excuses on lack signings now , no Mitchell , no PSR Eddy said quick signings ??? players opting To go to other clubs. I treat signings same as new stadium sometime in Julember really they haven’t changed in years
Lawrie(Quote)
Lawrie,
Your negativity aint what we need either mate .!
Peter Henderson.(Quote)
Well done for deciphering it, I couldn’t understand what he was on about. Definite whiff of cheesy chips on here at times
East stand(Quote)
What about Evan Ferguson, he’s the right age and Howe could mould him into a better player
Maurice Bates(Quote)