Newcastle United look set to head into the new Premier League season without a recognised senior striker.
Though William Osula and Sean Neave are options for Newcastle United, neither of them have been truly tested at elite level just yet.
The striker situation is perhaps the most pressing issue to have emerged during a bleak summer for the club.
Callum Wilson has already left St James’ Park and Alexander Isak would like to follow him through the door.
While Newcastle are still trying to land a new forward to replace Wilson and potentially another to step into Isak’s shoes, actually doing so has proven rather difficult.
Indeed, the Newcastle United squad is looking weak ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign and Eddie Howe has confirmed some worrying news when it comes to who’s playing up front.
Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Matt Targett and Lewis Miley celebrate Newcastle United's goal against Tottenham in a pre-season friendly in Seoul, South Korea.
Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
Anthony Gordon could start up front for Newcastle United against Aston Villa
Speaking to The Chronicle, the Newcastle United manager revealed that Anthony Gordon could be used as a striker against Aston Villa.
Though Gordon is a fine player and looks to be back on track following a difficult year last season, Newcastle do not have a good record with him up front.
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They scored only one goal in the two games he started through the middle last season, and that came from the penalty spot.
“He is one of the options and we wanted to look at him in that position against Tottenham,” he said.
“He has played there before for us and played it well.
“He will play in his way, he is not Alex or Callum Wilson, he is slightly looser than both.
“He does not want to be a focal point back to goal player, he is not at his best doing that.
“We gave him a bit of freedom and he did really well in that floating role, he could have had a couple of goals and we are really pleased with him.”
Games Goals Goals from open play Assists
2 1 0 0
Anthony Gordon’s record as a striker for Newcastle United in the 2024/25 season
How Anthony Gordon feels about playing as a striker
Going into a huge season for the club without a central striker who convinces is a major concern.
That’s not a reflection on Gordon. He will no doubt do the job diligently, but to expect him to replicate what either Isak or Wilson do at their best would be foolish.
It’s a shame for the England international, too. He’s been making some promising noises this summer, but to be played out of position is hardly ideal for him when he’s looking to kick on.
Still, Gordon has admitted he does like playing up front.
He told The Daily Mail: “I like playing No 9. I’d have to practise and get the reps in to get the patterns that we do. If that’s a challenge the manager wants to throw at me, I’m happy.”