Newcastle United have endured a miserable summer transfer window but Eddie Howe has been sent assurances by PIF amid the club’s interest in Ollie Watkins.
Despite enjoying their best season in living memory last time out, Newcastle United are now verging into crisis.
They have signed only two players during what was supposed to be a transformative summer transfer window ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League next season.
To compound matters, Newcastle’s best player in Alexander Isak wants to leave the club this summer amid interest from Liverpool.
The Newcastle United owners are under pressure. PIF’s takeover in 2021 has brought the club to new levels, but now serious questions are being asked about their level of ambition at the club.
Still, Howe has been given some assurances and could turn his attention to Watkins if Isak were to leave.
Ollie Watkins is pictured playing for Aston Villa against PSG.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Newcastle United interested in signing Ollie Watkins
According to The Chronicle, the Newcastle United manager has been told that there is money to make big signings during what remains of the transfer window.
However, both Howe and the Newcastle ownership are aware that they need to find the right players for the squad rather than buying for the sake of it.
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Newcastle have no concerns over Watkins in terms of his character and the former Brentford forward could come under serious consideration if Isak leaves.
Still, Newcastle need encouragement from Aston Villa that they would be prepared to sell before they make a move.
Ollie Watkins stats compared to Alexander Isak
It would be hard to spin losing Isak as a positive, regardless of who could potentially replace him at the club.
The Sweden star is simply one of the best forwards in world football and, at 25, still has so much time to improve.
Still, Watkins would be a logical addition. A proven Premier League goalscorer, the England international bagged 16 in 38 games last season.
2024/25 Premier League statistics Ollie Watkins Alexander Isak
Games 38 34
Minutes played 2612 2774
Goals 16 23
Assists 8 6
Shots/90 2.2 2.9
Key passes/90 0.7 1.2
Ollie Watkins stats compared to Alexander Isak, data via WhoScored
On a per-game basis, Isak did beat Watkins in some key attacking metrics, but the fact is that Newcastle are unlikely to find a replacement identical to the Swede.
Clearly, the fact Watkins is approaching 30 is a concern. However, signing him would at least buy the club a bit of time in searching for a long-term replacement for Isak if he were to depart.