Newcastle United have endured a challenging start to the 2025/26 season, particularly in attack.
While their defence has been a relative bright spot - with six clean sheets already and one of the lowest expected goals conceded (4.9) in the Premier League - the Magpies’ forward line has struggled to consistently convert opportunities.
Tielemans-Gordon-Villa-Newcastle
Through the early fixtures, Newcastle rank near the bottom of the league for expected goals, highlighting difficulties in creating high-quality chances despite controlling possession in several matches.
Injuries have compounded the challenge.
Both Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, the team’s starting full-backs, are set for extended layoffs, forcing manager Eddie Howe to rotate personnel and disrupt the attacking rhythm.
Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento
Dan Burn has deputised at left-back, a position in which he is frequently exposed, impacting the team’s build-up play from wide areas.
Even so, there have been flashes of attacking promise.
Newcastle produced a 4-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League, generating 3.45 xG, and followed it up with a 2-0 league victory against Nottingham Forest.
While these results have boosted confidence, the Magpies still need greater consistency to complement their defensive solidity.
Amid this challenging start, fans are increasingly turning their attention to the team’s new attacking options.
Assessing Nick Woltemade's fine start at Newcastle
One player who has immediately impacted Newcastle’s attack is 23-year-old Nick Woltemade, the 1.98m forward signed from the Bundesliga.
Woltemade impressed in his previous campaign, scoring 12 goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances and earning six caps for Germany.
Woltemade 2024-25 in numbers (timeless)
His combination of size, technical ability, and goal-scoring instinct makes him a potent addition to Newcastle’s frontline.
Since joining, Woltemade has quickly shown he can handle the pressure of Premier League and European football.
Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade
He scored on his home debut against Wolves, then followed up with goals against Arsenal, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Nottingham Forest.
His penalty against Forest, placed with clinical precision into the top corner, earned him a standing ovation from the home crowd.
Across these games, Woltemade has displayed strong all-around attacking metrics: high work rate, intelligent positioning, and a pass completion rate hovering around 78%, as per Sofascore, demonstrating his ability to link up with teammates effectively.
Even beyond scoring, Woltemade’s presence transforms Newcastle’s attack.
His 1.98m frame allows him to dominate aerial duels, while his movement stretches defences and opens space for wide players like Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy.
Newcastle start Jacob Murphy
With a goal whilst away on international duty Germany duty, Woltemade continues to develop chemistry with teammates and is becoming an essential piece of Howe’s squad.
For a club competing in the Champions League, he provides a reliable attacking outlet and a reference point for younger forwards to learn from.
Why Sean Neave can be the next Newcastle sensation
While Woltemade provides an immediate solution, Newcastle also have a homegrown talent in waiting: 18-year-old Sean Neave.
Born in Newcastle, Neave began at the famous Wallsend Boys Club before joining the Magpies’ academy, a pathway that has produced several Premier League players.
A 6ft 1in centre-forward, Neave has already impressed at youth level, scoring 17 goals in his first 30 U18 appearances, demonstrating natural finishing, positioning intelligence, and an eye for goal.
He has also been gradually introduced to first-team action, featuring in pre-season against Atlético Madrid, replacing Anthony Gordon in the 84th minute, and being included in the FA Cup fourth-round squad at Birmingham City.
Neave - lauded as a "top talent" by Magpie Media - was an unused substitute as Newcastle lifted the 2025 Carabao Cup, their first major trophy in seventy years.
An England U18 international, Neave made his debut against Poland in 2024.
Sean Neave - 2025/26
Premier League 2
EFL Trophy
UEFA Youth League
Source: Transfermarkt
Coaches praise his high work rate, intelligent movement, and composure in tight spaces.
His physical presence allows him to compete effectively in the box, while his goal-scoring instinct ensures he is always a threat to opposition defences.
Howe now faces the task of integrating Neave into a first-team setup that can compete on multiple fronts.
With Woltemade offering immediate attacking firepower, Neave represents Newcastle’s long-term vision: a local player who could become a regular first-team contributor, bringing energy, composure, and finishing ability.
Should he adapt to Premier League intensity, Neave could provide competition for Woltemade, cover during injury crises, and ultimately become the next academy success story to shine on Tyneside.