Champions League qualification has not been a magic bullet for Newcastle’s recruitment this summer. They’ve lost out on goalkeeper James Trafford, who has decided on a return to Manchester City, and their backup plan isn’t terribly encouraging. Aaron Ramsdale feels very “we have James Trafford at home.”
And then there’s the striker situation.
Eddie Howe insists that no offers have been made for Alexander Isak, but it’s the story that simply will not go away. It feels a lot like Gareth Bale’s move to Real Madrid, where Spurs were insisting he was happy at the club while he was skipping training, until they finally extracted maximum value at the last minute.
Newcastle would like to sign another striker even if Isak doesn’t depart, and they’re currently striking out on their targets.
Following Hugo Ekitike’s move to Liverpool, the Magpies have had trouble getting anywhere with Yoane Wissa. Brentford don’t want to sell at any price unless they have a replacement signed up, given how many good players they’ve lost this summer already.
GettyWe’ve previously mentioned on this newsletter that we are Benjamin Šeško-skeptical due to his low shot volume and lack of high xG chances, but he’s an incredible physical talent with a high ceiling, even if he’s not been great at anything but headers recently. I can see the case for signing him, but they’re battling Manchester United, which at least one report claims to be his preferred destination.
So who’s the backup plan to the backup plan to the backup plan? Maybe Gabriel Jesus, and Newcastle fans will be hoping this is a case of pure agent yapping rather than genuine interest. Jesus is a willing presser, which is probably why Eddie Howe would sanction the move, but his box touches to shots ratio is pretty appalling. Shoot, my man.
The Transfer FlowThere’s a lot of window left, and Newcastle could make this post look very silly in a couple of weeks. But this is a continuation of the failures of last summer, when the Magpies whiffed on their targets and got fortunate to get through last season without major injury problems. If they fail to improve the squad again this summer, it’s hard to see them qualifying for Champions League again.