Newcastle United’s striker saga has defined their summer transfer window.
What began as a quiet plan to add depth has turned into a frantic mission following Alexander Isak’s refusal to reintegrate into Eddie Howe’s squad.
The Sweden international remains on £140,000-a-week wages but has made it clear he will not train or play, even if a transfer does not materialise before the deadline.
Isak’s stance stems from Liverpool’s approach earlier in the summer.
The forward, unsettled by the prospect of a move to Anfield, informed Newcastle that he no longer intends to represent the club.
It leaves Newcastle in a difficult position: they cannot sanction his departure until a replacement is secured, but without one, they risk heading into the season proper without a recognised senior striker.
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Their search has already produced a series of setbacks. Benjamin Šeško opted to join Manchester United. Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea remains a target, but there is little sign of progress.
The club have at least added Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale, yet none address the urgent need for a centre-forward. Attention has now turned to Paris Saint-Germain forward Gonçalo Ramos.
Ramos carries the profile and reputation of a marquee signing, but there is another candidate on the market who may prove to be the smarter, more effective addition to Eddie Howe’s side.
Newcastle closing in on Premier League striker
Reports from Football Insider suggest Newcastle are close to signing Yoane Wissa, as they will now see a bid accepted for him because Brentford are set to land his replacement.
The 28-year-old produced 19 goals and 5 assists in 35 Premier League appearances, per Sofascore, a return that placed him behind only Mohamed Salah in non-penalty goals.
Brentford, who have been picked apart this summer, appear resigned to his departure. Manager Thomas Frank has gone, as have captain Christian Nørgaard, goalkeeper Mark Flekken and winger Bryan Mbeumo.
With Dango Ouattara set to sign from Bournemouth for £37m, Wissa is now expected to be the next high-profile exit as that move will give the Magpies the green light to snap him up because a replacement will be in the building.
Nottingham Forest and Saudi club Neom SC have registered interest, but the player is understood to prefer Newcastle, attracted by the prospect of Champions League football.
Financially, the move makes sense. Wissa is on just £25,000 a week at Brentford, well within Newcastle’s wage structure. At 28, the forward is older than the club’s usual recruitment profile, but with Isak refusing to play and alternatives limited, Wissa’s Premier League pedigree may prove decisive.
Why Wissa is an upgrade on Ramos
The comparison with Gonçalo Ramos is unavoidable. The Portuguese striker, 24, joined PSG from Benfica in 2024 for £60m and remains highly rated. He has 16 caps for his country and nine goals at international level, with a market value of around £35m.
Last season, he scored 10 and assisted three in Ligue 1 across 22 appearances, per Sofascore, while also netting three times in the Champions League.
His strike in the Super Cup comeback against Spurs this week reinforced his reputation as a player for big occasions.
On paper, Ramos offers the glamour signing: younger, internationally proven, and with long-term upside. Yet Newcastle’s needs point in a different direction.
Wissa has been delivering consistently in the Premier League, while Ramos has had to compete with Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Désiré Doué for minutes in Paris.
The statistics reinforce the distinction. Wissa, dubbed “outstanding” by Keith Andrews, contributed 23 goal involvements in 35 matches last season, Ramos 13 in 22, per FBref.
In progressive carries per 90, Wissa (1.85) nearly doubles Ramos (0.93). He also leads in progressive passing distance (49.9m vs 31.1m), carries per 90 (17.0 vs 13.1), and successful take-on percentage (30.6% vs 9.1%).
Ramos outperforms in shooting accuracy – 55.8% of his efforts were on target compared with Wissa’s 45.6% – and he attempts more shots on target per game. He also shades shot-creating actions (2.54 vs 2.13).
However, when judged against Newcastle’s tactical requirements, Wissa’s profile is the better fit.
Howe’s team thrives on pressing, transitions, and direct attacking play. Wissa’s energy, ability to stretch defences and willingness to carry the ball forward align perfectly with that style.
Ramos is a more refined finisher but less active in buildup and pressing phases, raising doubts over how quickly he could adapt to the Premier League.
There are, of course, risks in signing Wissa. He turns 29 in September and is likely to miss part of the 2026 season for the Africa Cup of Nations.
His resale value is limited, but for Newcastle, short-term certainty outweighs long-term speculation.
They cannot afford to gamble on a player who may take a year to settle when Isak’s strike leaves them exposed right now. Wissa also brings the hunger of a player ready to grasp his final major opportunity.
After four years at Brentford, where he has scored 45 goals in 137 league appearances, per Transfermarkt, he now looks ready to play in the Champions League with the Magpies.
His motivation, coupled with Newcastle’s pressing need, makes the move logical for both sides.