Newcastle United find themselves in a delicate situation as the Premier League transfer window approaches its final weeks.
The Magpies are in urgent need of a striker to fill the void left by Alexander Isak, whose refusal to reintegrate with the squad has caused disruption ahead of the new season.
While the club has made several signings, including Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, a permanent solution in attack remains elusive.
Isak’s unsettled stance stems from an approach by Liverpool, and he has made it clear that he does not intend to train with Newcastle despite continuing to receive his reported £140k-per-week wages.
The side's need for a replacement is immediate, although any potential new signing will not be available for their opening fixture against Aston Villa this Saturday.
Adding further complexity to Newcastle’s forward planning, the club recently missed out on Benjamin Sesko, who opted for Manchester United, while deals for other targets such as Yoane Wissa slowly edge towards completion.
Wissa-Isak-Newcastle
This leaves Newcastle in a challenging position.
They must secure a striker capable of stepping into the squad and maintaining Premier League standards, without overpaying or rushing a decision.
Premier League striker keen on Newcastle switch
Enter a 24-year-old striker whose profile has drawn both excitement and cautious scrutiny.
Nicolas Jackson has emerged as a potential replacement, with his performances at Chelsea generating interest across Europe.
nicolas-jackson-chelsea-spurs-premier-league
While there has been no formal bid from Newcastle yet, this “monster” of a player, as noted by John Obi Mikel, is reportedly 'keen on a move' to St James’ Park, as has been reported by Mark Douglas of the i.
Douglas notes that despite the striker's willingness to move to Tyneside, the Magpies have yet to lodge a bid for the Blues exile.
If that deal does progress, the comparison to Anthony Gordon is unavoidable.
Gordon, who joined Newcastle from Everton in 2023 following an acrimonious exit, was initially considered a gamble by fans and pundits.
At the time, his record was respectable but not spectacular, with just seven goals scored at Goodison Park in all competitions.
However, since his move, Gordon has thrived under Eddie Howe, recording 22 goals and 23 assists in 106 appearances for the Magpies.
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon celebrates scoring their second goal with Kieran Trippier
Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon celebrates scoring their second goal with Kieran Trippier
Jackson represents a similar gamble for Newcastle.
Like Gordon, he is young, somewhat untested, and carries a notable price tag - reportedly as much as £80m.
Yet the potential upside is significant, especially for a team seeking a clinical finisher to partner with the likes of Wissa this coming season.
Why Jackson could be another Gordon for Howe
To understand the potential for Jackson at Newcastle, it helps to examine Gordon’s trajectory.
At 24, Gordon’s profile mirrored Jackson’s in several ways: a relatively young player with talent but inconsistent performances at his previous club.
Gordon’s 2023/24 season was his breakthrough.
According to data from FBref, he produced 4.30 progressive carries per 90, 3.15 progressive passes per 90, and 4.45 shot-creating actions per 90.
He contributed significantly both in terms of attacking output and defensive work, registering 1.71 tackles and 0.84 blocks per 90.
Gordon’s touch volume in the attacking third (22.8 per 90) highlighted his influence in key areas, a benchmark Jackson may aim to emulate at Newcastle.
Isak and Gordon as teammates - Newcastle
In 65 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, Jackson has scored 24 goals and contributed ten assists.
Notably, he was on the scoresheet in the Conference League final against Real Betis in May, underlining his capacity to perform on bigger stages.
While Jackson has demonstrated his attacking prowess, he has also attracted scrutiny for disciplinary issues, including red cards against Newcastle in a 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park and against Flamengo at the Club World Cup.
These incidents suggest an element of volatility, though they also reflect the intensity and commitment he brings to the pitch.
In terms of performance metrics, Jackson’s numbers, as per FBref, highlight a player capable of influencing games in multiple ways.
Nicolas Jackson Premier League stats (timeless)
Nicolas Jackson
He averages 3.08 shots per 90 minutes, with 1.38 on target, translating to a 44.7% shot-on-target rate.
His progressive carries (1.90 per 90) and passes (1.54 per 90) are slightly lower than more creative forwards, but his shot-creating actions per 90 of 2.80 demonstrate his ability to generate opportunities.
Pass completion sits at a solid 75.9%, while his progressive passing distance per 90 of 35.8 meters shows an emerging ability to link play beyond the immediate attacking third.
Jackson - PL Stats 2024/25
Matches Played
Starts
Minutes Played
Goals
Assists
Shot on Target Percentage
Pass Completion Rate
Shot Creating Actions per 90
Tackles
Blocks
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Source: FBref
Gordon’s success underscores the potential payoff of taking calculated risks on younger forwards with room for growth.
Just as Gordon has adapted and flourished under Howe’s management, Jackson could follow a similar path, benefiting from clear guidance, consistent playing time, and the confidence of the coaching staff.
What’s more, Newcastle’s interest in Jackson comes at a pivotal time The club is navigating the financial pressures of PSR while managing high-profile departures and arrivals.
Chelsea-Nicolas-Jackson
Securing a striker who can hit the ground running, and potentially blossom into a top Premier League talent, is a priority.
Jackson’s style, combining physical presence with technical flair, could offer Howe tactical flexibility.
If Newcastle can integrate him effectively, Jackson might not only replace Isak but provide a long-term solution in attack.
Of course, there are risks.
Yet the upside is clear: a young, talented forward with a proven scoring record in Europe and the mentality to succeed under the right management.
For Newcastle, the gamble may well be worth taking, just as it was with Gordon a year ago.