Newcastle United could turn to Nicolas Jackson in their search for a striker, but he is a player that represents multiple problems.
The 24-year-old is on Newcastle United’s list to potentially replace Alexander Isak, with Benjamin Sesko choosing Manchester United. He had been the Magpies’ top target, but the Slovenian looks bound for Old Trafford.
That has pushed Nicolas Jackson further up the list of striker options, but a deal will not be cheap. Geordie Boot Boys understand that Chelsea want £80million for Jackson.
That fee is a lot more than Newcastle will want to pay. £80million would make him Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever, eclipsing the £63million spent on Isak in 2022.
Nicolas Jackson looks dejected after being sent off during Chelsea vs Newcastle United.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Nicolas Jackson’s suspension poses a problem for Newcastle United
Away from the price tag, there is another issue for Newcastle United when it comes to Jackson.
Even if the Magpies miraculously conclude a deal in swift fashion, Jackson would not be able to make his Toon debut in the Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
That is because he is suspended for the first game of the 2025/26 Premier League season. This is due to a red card that he actually received at St James’ Park back in May.
Jackson was sent off for an elbow on Sven Botman and was handed a three-match ban. He has served two of those games, with the final game of his suspension set for the first round of the new Premier League campaign.
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AFCON presents a bigger problem for Newcastle United
While Jackson being suspended for one game is not the biggest issue in the world, there would be a much bigger problem on the horizon.
Jackson represents Senegal at international level, and they will be competing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations this winter. The tournament runs between 21st December and 18th January. During that period, the Magpies have six games scheduled.
The problem becomes even larger if Newcastle sign Yoane Wissa too, as he will also be present at the AFCON with DR Congo.
Newcastle United need to sign two strikers, with Wissa the forward they are targeting to replace Callum Wilson.
On paper, getting Jackson and Wissa to replace Isak and Wilson might look like decent business. However, the fact they are both going to miss a large portion of games due to the AFCON presents a serious problem that Newcastle United must consider.