Newcastle United are expected to strengthen their striker department this summer, according to Newcastle World.
After investing heavily in Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade last summer, the Magpies have only managed eight Premier League goals from the pair, with neither finding the net since the turn of the year. As a result, the club is now prepared to return to the market for another forward.
The season has ended with 22-year-old William Osula leading the attack, while Newcastle continue to deal with the aftermath of Alexander Isak’s £130million move to Liverpool. That sale has left Eddie Howe’s side with a major rebuild job going into the summer.
Their current striking options also appear uncertain. Osula was previously close to joining Eintracht Frankfurt, and he has attracted interest from clubs in England and across Europe. Woltemade, meanwhile, has struggled to settle on Tyneside and could also be allowed to leave after a disappointing first campaign.
Wissa’s situation is no clearer. Fitness issues and inconsistent form have restricted him to only a few Premier League starts since arriving from Brentford for £55million. With the forward turning 30 in September, his resale value is already a concern for Newcastle.
Anthony Gordon has also featured as a striker this season and is seen as the most likely of the current attacking options to move on, with Bayern Munich and Barcelona among the clubs said to be interested.
All signs point to a summer rebuild for Howe and his recruitment team. With Ross Wilson now in place as sporting director and David Hopkinson appointed CEO, Newcastle will be hoping to act quickly and avoid another drawn-out transfer situation like the one surrounding Isak last year.
One name under close watch is Sporting CP striker Luis Suarez. Newcastle have widened their scouting reach across Europe and are also exploring Portugal as a market that could offer stronger value than some of the continent’s bigger leagues.
Suarez has been in excellent form, scoring 35 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions this season. Reports have linked both Newcastle and Liverpool with the 28-year-old, who is believed to be valued at around £40million to £50million.
Members of Newcastle’s recruitment staff have reportedly watched him in action recently, with Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande also said to be on their radar.
Suarez has stepped up impressively to fill the gap left by Viktor Gyokeres, who left Sporting last summer after a remarkable scoring run. Gyokeres’ form has since continued elsewhere, helping Arsenal compete strongly on multiple fronts.
Even so, there are still doubts over whether Newcastle will make a move for Suarez. He turns 29 later this year, and this season marks the first time he has reached double figures in a top-flight league campaign. His career path has also been unusual, with the striker having played for nine clubs in the past nine years after leaving Watford without making a senior appearance.
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