Newcastle’s Striker Crisis
Newcastle United faces urgent choices up front. Alexander Isak wants out and trains alone. Callum Wilson already left. The club needs reinforcements now . Their hunt has narrowed to two standout names: Yoane Wissa and Jørgen Strand Larsen. Both offer different strengths. Newcastle must decide which fits Eddie Howe’s plan best.
Yoane Wissa: The Hungry, Proven Premier Leaguer
Why Wissa Excites Newcastle
He scored 19 Premier League goals last season, with none from penalties .
He shows power, persistence, and match-winning instincts.
Brentford learned their lesson and signed Dango Ouattara as a replacement. That deft move signals their readiness to sell Wissa .
Wissa “wants to join Newcastle.” His camp feels frustrated with delays, and he’s even scrubbed Brentford content off social media .
Newcastle bid £35 million (plus add-ons), though Brentford wants over £50 million .
Pros of Signing Wissa
1. Ready-made Premier League goalscorer.
2. Driven and motivated.
3. Potentially affordable—£35–40 million.
4. Fastest to deliver results.
Cons to Consider
Negotiations hit a standstill. Brentford holds all the cards until they sign a replacement .
He fits backup striker more than lone No. 9.
Jørgen Strand Larsen: The Dark Horse with Premier Experience
What Strand Larsen Offers
He lit up Wolves with 14 Premier League goals and four assists last season .
He ranks in the top 3% in Europe for shot-to-goal ratio per 90 minutes .
At 25, he combines aerial presence, hold-up play, and finishing. He fits Howe’s physical style.
Newcastle reached out via agents. Initial feedback is positive. Strand Larsen isn’t pushing to leave but is open to a move .
Pros of a One-on-One Role
1. Premier League-proven quality.
2. Physically suited to lead the line.
3. Tactical fit for Howe.
4. Positive attitude toward joining.
Cons Worth Noting
Wolves value him around £60–65 million, which could strain budget .
No formal bid yet.
He may not adapt as fast as Wissa.
Wissa vs Strand Larsen: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature Yoane Wissa Jørgen Strand Larsen
Proven Premier League Yes, 19 league goals Yes, 14 league goals
Motivation High—pushing for move Open, but not forcing transfer
Price Estimate £35–40m £60–65m
Time to Impact Immediate Slight delay due to adaptation
Tactical Fit Energetic, flexible, versatile Physical target man, link-up play
Risk Level Medium—negotiations ongoing Higher—cost and process longer
What Newcastle Needs Now
With the transfer window closing fast and Champions League action looming, Newcastle must act decisively. Wissa brings immediate firepower and hunger. He costs less. But he may only slot in as support rather than main striker. Strand Larsen costs more. He offers physicality and a modern centre-forward skill set. But the price and timeline may slow things down.
If Howe wants quality now, Wissa is the smart move. If he plans for long-term structure and doesn’t mind waiting, Strand Larsen makes sense.
Final Thoughts
Newcastle faces a crossroads. Do they sign a ready scorer like Wissa or invest in a long-term project like Strand Larsen? Wissa offers quicker returns and hotter hunger in the present. Strand Larsen brings a future-focused profile, perfect for Premier League battles and Champions League nights.
Which way will Newcastle lean? Watch this space. Let me know if you’d like to explore their other options or dig deeper into budget and tactic implications.