Newcastle have lacked someone to lead the line since Alexander Isak left for Liverpool last summer
Igor Thiago celebrates scoring for Brazil against Croatia
Brentford's Igor Thiago celebrates scoring for Brazil against Croatia
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It's very much back to the drawing board for Newcastle United this summer as they address the pressing issue of their lack of a recognised striker.
The expensive gamble on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, rushed as it was, has not worked, at least not yet. It may be unwise to write Wissa off given his record at Brentford, while Woltemade can offer more than just goals, but at time when United need a centre-forward to lead the line, both have come up short.
It's to Anthony Gordon's immense credit that he has been able to step up and offer Eddie Howe something of a No 9 figure, although it could be argued that while he adds pace and movement at the tip of the forward line, Newcastle lose his creativity abiilities on the flanks.
Strikers, and the goals they bring, come at a premium, and solving the problem will be an expensive business, but Newcastle cannot afford to get it wrong this summer.
While sporting director Ross Wilson has spoken about better value in foreign markets, hinting at the path United may pursue, a player who has a proven Premier League pedigree can be worth the extra millions it will add to his pricetag.
To that end, here are five strikers Newcastle may look at to answer their goalscoring problems.
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Igor Thiago
Newcastle have monitored the Brazilian for some time now, and while his excellent season for Brentford will have hugely inflated his value, it has also proven he can cut it in the Premier League.
Still only 24, he is entering the prime years of his career and is set to be part of the Brazil squad for this summer's World Cup. Thiago has hit 22 goals in just 33 appearances for the Bees this term and, on paper, seems to fit the bill for Newcastle.
We know from the Wissa experience that Brentford will be tough negotiators, and Newcastle will have to ensure they can offer the striker more than his current club can next season.
Verdict: He will be expensive but his record this season suggests he would be ideal for United.
Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg and Igor Thiago of Brentford during the Premier League match against Newcastle United
Igor Thiago impressed for Brentford against Newcastle United
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Liam Delap
This time last year, Newcastle made a strong play to sign Delap when it became clear he was ready to leave relegated Ipswich Town. He did enough with Kieran McKenna's side to suggest he can perform in the Premier League, but in what was to become a familiar theme of last summer, United were beaten to the punch by Chelsea.
It hasn't gone to plan for the 23-year-old, however, and with Liam Rosenior set to add to his squad, he could be one of the players to make way as they aim to balance the books. Both Newcastle and Everton have been linked with a move for former Man City youngster, who has been dogged by injuries.
He has started just 13 games for the Blues, but his two-goal return is incredibly disappointing for someone of his potential. A fresh start could kick-start his career, but will Newcastle be willing to take that chance?
Verdict: A poor season for Chelsea, and injury worries, may make him more affordable, but there will be no guarantees.
Darwin Nunez
The former Liverpool striker is on the lookout for a new club after being frozen out of the picture at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. His time at Anfield was a curious one, with moments of inspiration hampered by a lack of consistency.
He knows how to finish, as Newcastle found to their cost in 2023 when his late double broke United hearts at St James' Park, and his three years on Merseyside brought 40 goals in 143 appearances.
Significantly, he can also play on the left flank and offers more than just a No 9 role, with 26 assists for Liverpool. He turns 27 in June and is desperate to find first-team football this season.
Verdict: He has the pedigree but does he score enough goals? He'll have to take a huge wage cut to leave Saudi, but that applies to whichever club he joins.
Darwin Nunez celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ettifaq and Al Hilal.
Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has been linked with a summer move back to the Premier League. (Image: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
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Dominic Solanke
There could be something of firesale at Tottenham, should they slip into the Championship, regardless of new manager's Roberto de Zerbi's pledge to stay on. Solanke is an easy Newcastle link, having worked with Eddie Howe at Bournemouth, and the Magpies head coach has spoken favourably about the striker in the past.
However, his injury record would be a concern, as would the fact he's only once managed double figures in a Premier League season - an admittedly impressive 19 in his final season with the Cherries.
He may be available on a cut-price deal should Spurs go down, and the fact he turns 29 in September could make him a more affordable, if not a long-term solution.
Verdict: A stop-gap at best, he may be better than what United currently have, but it would not go down well with the supporters.
Nicolas Jackson
Another Chelsea misfit, Jackson's future is up in the air after moving to Bayern Munich on loan last summer after a permanent deal fell through. He was on Newcastle's radar 12 months ago but they opted not to follow up interest.
Jackson's last St James' Park appearance saw him sent off in United's 2-0 win in May 2025, but while he stuggled for consistency at Stamford Bridge, his record is not to be sniffed at.
He scored 30 goals in a 81 appearances in a Chelsea shirt, including a Premier League best of 14 in the 2023-24 season, but significantly contributed 12 assists along the way.
His time in Germany has not quite gone to plan with just 26 appearances, although that has brought seven goals in a side dominated by Harry Kane. Add in the fact he's still 24 and he remains a prospect.
Bayern have an 'obligation' to buy for £70m but whether they see him as a player they want to keep remains to be seen
Verdict: It depends when Bayern decided they want to do, but he could be priced out of Newcastle's plans. His disciplinary record could be an issue too, with five red cards to date.