Newcastle United endured a frantic transfer deadline day, but it could not have gone much better for Eddie Howe by the end of it.
Alexander Isak joined Liverpool, getting the transfer away from Tyneside that he had been craving all summer.
In his place, Newcastle signed Yoane Wissa from Brentford. It was an expensive deal, with the 29-year-old costing £55million.
Newcastle have overspent on Wissa, but it was a case of needs must. They needed to bring in another striker, and Wissa was the ideal addition to the Newcastle United squad.
The Magpies’ alternative was Jorgen Strand Larsen, but bringing in the Norwegian would have been a risk.
Jorgen Strand Larsen celebrates Wolves' Premier League win over Ipswich Town.
Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images
Newcastle United told Jorgen Strand Larsen deal would have been a risk
That is according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about Newcastle United’s decision to sign Wissa ahead of Strand Larsen.
Newcastle had two offers for Strand Larsen rejected, with their second worth £55million. A bid beyond £60million could have been enough for Wolves to say yes, but Bailey believes Newcastle made the right call in prioritising Wissa.
“If Newcastle had offered Cunha money, I think Wolves would have relented,” he said.
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“If they were going to overpay for anyone, it was going to be Wissa. Strand Larsen is still a little bit of an unknown quantity. He is younger, but you’re buying potential.
“Wissa is the finished product. He is a proven Premier League striker. Strand Larsen could become that, but it would have been too much of a risk to go with two players who have potential in him and Nick Woltemade.”
Will Newcastle United target Jorgen Strand Larsen again?
Newcastle United ultimately fell short in their pursuit of Strand Larsen.
The Magpies have proven in the past that they are always willing to go back in for targets they have missed out on, but that feels unlikely to be the case with Strand Larsen.
In Wissa and Woltemade, Eddie Howe’s striker options should be settled for the next few years.
While Wissa is much older at 29, he brings proven Premier League experience. He is already ready to have an impact in black and white, while Woltemade at 23 has the potential to develop into a superstar at St James’ Park.
The next time Newcastle buy a striker will likely be to replace Wissa, but that will not be for a few years. When that time arrives, it would be a surprise if Strand Larsen was on the shortlist.