Chronicle Live has given their verdict on the current Newcastle United transfer window including what they'd do with Alexander Isak.
Alexander Isak and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on the touchline.
Alexander Isak and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe on the touchline.
(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle United and transfer windows. They're never dull are they? Whether than be the inability to sign new players due to PSR regulations, or the current mess at the club.
This summer has been far from a revolutionary window that many predicted having secured their return to the Champions League and the first domestic trophy in 70 years. Eddie Howe is now being left to pick up the pieces from an Alexander Isak bombshell, which has shown no sign of damage limitation.
Recent reports this morning indicate that the Sweden striker has, probably, played his last match for the Magpies - reportedly making it clear he won't pull on the black and white shirt again. A dismal end to his Tyneside tenure from someone who could have been an all-time great.
If that is the case, Isak's reputation among the Toon Army faithful is in tatters. ChronicleLive reporter Matty Hewitt has delivered his verdict on what he'd do before the window comes to a close;
Bring an end to the Isak saga
Having firmly been in the camp that Newcastle should do all they can to keep their star striker at the club this summer, it's becoming clearer that bridges have been burnt to the point of no repair. The Magpies should cash in and move swiftly on in rebuilding their squad - as no player is bigger than the club.
At this stage, it looks as though it'll take a minor miracle to integrate Isak back into the first-team squad - if latest reports are to be believed - and for all the talk of broken promises from a Newcastle perspective, the forward has not handled the situation well here at all.
It won't be easy to replace Isak, especially after missing out on the likes of Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko. Viktor Gyokeres has already joined Arsenal and Victor Osimhen has returned to Galatasaray.
Newcastle want to shop in the elite striker pool but, unless something comes completely out of the blue, they'll have to look elsewhere. The likes of Nicolas Jackson and Ollie Watkins would be astute signings and there'll always be comparisons to Isak, but it's time for all parties to move on.
The Magpies can't risk the start of the season being impacted by Isak's future, or lack thereof on Tyneside. Cash in and completely revamp the striker positions.
Game changing transfer plans
"There's no doubting the power of Champions League football. It could be game-changing for us in terms of revenue."
They were the words of Howe back in April as the battle for the Champions League heated up. In the end, they'd finish in the top-five and plans for this summer could be kick-started.
It's fair to say things haven't quite lived up to said expectations, but with a British record transfer fee incoming for Isak, Newcastle would be in a brilliant position to kick on and put the start of the window behind them.
Signing Yoane Wissa - this week - would be a brilliant start before all eyes turn to the striker position. Newcastle know they need two stars to come in before the window closes.
Having already looked to spend around £80million on Ekitike and Sesko, it's fair to assume that they could spend £200million on two strikers if they get a fee in the region of £120million to £150million for Isak. Now that would be game changing.
On the face of things, it's been a summer of missed transfer targets, but that kind of money could yet still see the Magpies make major squad improvements and allow them to establish themselves as a regular at English football's top table.
This current ownership has already shown they can lure world-class talents like Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes to the club. They know they'll need a repeat of said masterstrokes between now and the window closing.
Part of me thinks Newcastle could well upset the apple cart between now and then with a superstar arriving completely out of the blue.
A change in transfer tactics
Now, this may go slightly against the previous point of spending £200million on a striker - as mentioned above - but the possibilities would be endless should that money be available.
Sure, Newcastle want to be adding world-class talent to their ranks, which will cost money. However, they also need to be willing to gamble on players who aren't quite at that level yet.
Howe has a brilliant track record of taking players to the next level - and there's no reason why Newcastle can't shop in the pool of players with potential rather than instant impact in mind. Wissa is Premier League-ready and you'd also back him to improve under the Magpies boss.
Take Bournemouth or Brighton. Sure, Newcastle have finished above them in the Premier League in recent seasons and will be seen as a bigger club, but those two have nailed the transfer windows in recent times.
Both clubs have sold key players for huge amounts of money and reinvested into their squad. It's time Newcastle took a leaf out of their book but, of course, with the financial muscle the Magpies have, they can scale up said project.
Appointing a new sporting director is also key and it's a decision that should have already taken place - the current Isak saga has only reiterated that. Nottingham Forest's Ross Wilson is expected to be the man to fill the current void.
If and when he does arrive, it'll be interesting to see how Newcastle approach the market.