Newcastle United‘s season begins now, and supporters are anxious about their facet’s prospects within the Premier League, significantly weakened after slumping to a Twelfth-place end final time period.
It proved the tip of the road for Eddie Howe, who swerved a sacking however in the end broke from his contract at St. James’ Park following the gross sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
A lot has been made from the Magpies’ midfield fragilities, and that is a matter that also wants fixing. Nonetheless, Newcastle have additionally been shaken in assault, with the likes of Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade now required to face up after taking cowl for a lot of the 2025/26 marketing campaign.
Why this can be a huge yr for Wissa and Woltemade
Towards the tip of final season, it seemed like both Wissa or Woltemade may have been shipped on this yr, possibly each.
Woltemade began so strongly, trying the half after arriving for a club-record £69m price one yr in the past. He tapered away and scored just one Premier League aim after Christmas (within the penultimate recreation of the yr, a 3-1 over West Ham).
Wissa was up in opposition to it from the off; signed solely after Newcastle did not signal any variety of high targets in assault, the DR Congo striker fell to a regarding harm on worldwide responsibility earlier than he had kicked a ball for the Toon, and he by no means got here near recovering the sort of from that drew so many plaudits whereas at Brentford.
Neither managed to successfully substitute Alexander Isak following his record-breaking switch to Liverpool, and now, with Gordon having joined Barcelona for £69m, they should step up – not least as a result of Gordon’s substitute is Bazoumana Toure, a 20-year-old winger from Hoffenheim.
Woltemade began strongly final season, so dynamic and deft on the ball. When confidence is on his facet, he’s a fierce finisher, with a 25% conversion charge within the Premier League final season. That is a superb charge; the problem is that he did not strike on aim sufficient, averaging one shot a recreation.
Against this, Wissa was far too wasteful, scoring one aim for Newcastle within the league. He missed six huge possibilities. With Gordon now gone, Newcastle must carry over a brand new element in assault.
Newcastle calling to signal £30m ahead
Newcastle struggled to attain targets within the Premier League final season, and the sale of Guimaraes can have achieved little to ease that.
Wissa and Woltemade might be anticipated to step up and carry out, however in response to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are nonetheless looking for methods to enhance in assault, with Christopher Nkunku rising as a late-window goal. The switch guru claims that the Toon have been “calling” for the AC Milan attacker.
One other title to observe stays Christopher Nkunku. Newcastle are calling, however the participant is giving precedence to a return to Pink Bull Leipzig as a chance.
Newcastle want a striker, and Nkunku may very well be the dynamic choice to assist them on their method. Certainly, the France worldwide may very well be accessible for under £30m, with Milan trying to promote, however the truth that he’s extra hopeful to return to Leipzig will strike a well-known sense of hysteria into the bellies of Toon supporters.
The previous Chelsea ahead flattered to deceive when final within the Premier League. Nkunku, 28, additionally endured one thing of a troublesome 2025/26 marketing campaign in Serie A, solely beginning 15 matches. Nonetheless, he scored seven targets and equipped three assists.
|
Christopher Nkunku – Profession Stats by Place |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Place |
Apps |
Objectives + Assists |
|
Centre-forward |
130 |
57 + 26 |
|
Attacking midfield |
66 |
28 + 21 |
|
Central midfield |
63 |
10 + 8 |
|
Left winger |
52 |
11 + 11 |
|
Proper winger |
29 |
8 + 5 |
Nonetheless, he has reached famous person heights previously, and such versatility in assault may permit him to contest with Woltemade and Wissa for a beginning berth whereas serving alongside them at instances too.
Nkunku’s silky and trendy nature may very well be good for Jaissle’s intense attacking system. Former coach Achim Beierlorzer as soon as remarked that he needs to be “thought-about as a world-class participant” when in his Bundesliga heyday. Earlier than signing for Chelsea, Nkunku posted 58 targets and 29 assists throughout two campaigns in Germany. Astonishing numbers.
Wissa and Woltemade merely have not hit these heights, and as he’s nonetheless within the prime of his profession, a transfer to Tyneside, the place he can grow to be a talisman, may very well be the right transfer for him.
Newcastle can not afford to fall by the wayside as soon as once more this yr. Wissa and Woltemade had been poor final yr, and entrusting them with focal roles after Gordon’s sale can be a danger.
In Nkunku, Newcastle may safe for themselves a brand new star of the present.
