It's not hyperbole to say that Newcastle United have arrived at a critical juncture.
Eddie Howe has been handed a reprieve, tasked with piecing this Magpies project back together after a difficult year, but there's going to be little wriggle room following the recent slump to 12th place in the Premier League.
It's domestic duties only for Newcastle next season, and while a streamlined calendar makes things a little easier for Howe in the top flight, the Toon's star players are assessing their options.
Eddie Howe's Premier League Journey at Newcastle
Season
25/26
24/25
23/24
22/23
21/22*
Anthony Gordon has already left and signed for Barcelona, and other pesky transfer rumours simmer away, but Newcastle work in absolutes, and it's clear that signing wingers must take precedence.
How Newcastle plan on replacing Gordon
The sale of Gordon to Barcelona was poignant, but acceptable. The England winger departs for a £69m fee, and at least he isn't joining a Premier League rival.
Across the past three-and-a-half years at St. James' Park, he has blown hot and cold, and as Howe and technical director Ross Wilson continue to strategise, there's a feeling that this money could be used to make sweeping changes.
According to Sky Sports' Keith Downie, Newcastle are in concrete talks with AIK Stockholm over a possible summer transfer for Zadok Yohanna, who is valued at roughly £21m. This has been followed by news from the Daily Mail that a preliminary bid has been actually now already been accepted.
A host of Premier League clubs have taken note of the 18-year-old's prodigious start to his career, with Brighton, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Sunderland all emerging as suitors.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match
While Newcastle are wary of entering a bidding war for the young prospect, there's no question that he has superstar potential, and given that he cut his teeth with AIK in Sweden, he might even emerge as the new Alexander Isak.
Why Yohanna can be Newcastle's new Isak
Given that Yohanna is only 18 years old, it would be unfair to expect him to star as Gordon's main replacement at Newcastle. Moreover, the left-footer is at his rip-roaring best when peeling off the right wing.
Isak Premier League record
Still, that shouldn't deter the Magpies in their efforts. This is a talent with the potential to become a superstar, someone who might even surpass Gordon and rival Isak in terms of impact at Newcastle, scoring goals by the dozen before completing a record-breaking transfer away.
Described as a "complete nightmare" when on the ball by analyst Maaxi Angelo, Yohanna's physical and progressive metrics are off the charts.
It should go without saying that moving to the Premier League would mark a significant step up in competition, but AIK have something of a knack for shaping prospects into superstars. Just look at Isak, who was hailed as "the best striker in the Premier League" by pundit Jamie Carragher during his final uyear on Tyneside.
Zadok Yohanna in the Allsvenskan (2026)
Stats (* per 90)
Matches (starts)
Goals
Assists
Shots (on target)*
Accurate passes*
Chances created*
Succ. dribbles*
Ball recoveries*
Def. contributions*
Duels won*
The Swedish striker, who will star under Graham Potter at the World Cup, scored 27 goals across all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, bagging against Arne Slot's Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. For his nation,
Yohanna's skilful wing play has earned him the nickname "the Nigerian Neymar", but his potential to echo Isak's attacking impact at Newcastle is enormous.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe looks dejected after the match
Whether Newcastle complete a deal for the teenage sensation remains to be seen, with so many suitors lining up, but he would be a fantastic addition, someone who could have a say on Howe's project in the immediate future while securing their long-term status as an elite outfit.
Anthony Gordon celebrates for England Related
[Better than Gordon: Newcastle open talks to sign "one of the world's best"](https://www.footballfancast.com/better-than-gordon-newcastle-in-talks-for-marcus-rashford/ "Better than Gordon: Newcastle open talks to sign "one of the world's best"")
Newcastle are looking to swiftly replace their Barcelona-bound forward this summer.