Newcastle United's summer transfer plans have been overshadowed by the ongoing stand-off with Alexander Isak - and finding a replacement is now their top priority.
The Swedish striker has made it clear he has no intention of reintegrating with Eddie Howe’s squad, even if a transfer away from Tyneside fails to materialise before the end of the window.
The fallout began after Liverpool made an approach earlier this summer, unsettling the 24-year-old to the point that he no longer wishes to train with the team.
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His stance has left the club scrambling for attacking reinforcements before their Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday - a match for which any new arrival will not be registered in time.
Newcastle’s frustration has been compounded by missing out on Benjamin Šeško, who opted for Manchester United, while they continue to weigh up a move for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.
They have already strengthened in other areas, with Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey set to join permanently.
Whilst a deal for Yoane Wissa is also expected before the window shuts, this does entirely solve the issue up front.
With the clock ticking, the club’s recruitment team have turned their attention to a physically imposing young forward lighting up the Portuguese league - a player who has drawn inevitable comparisons to Aleksandar Mitrović’s arrival a decade ago.
Newcastle in talks over another striker
According to Spanish journalist Eduardo Burgos, Newcastle have been in contact with Porto since last week regarding Samu Aghehowa.
While no agreement is in place and the deal is not yet advanced, the 21-year-old is viewed internally as an ideal stylistic replacement for Isak.
Aghehowa ticks many of the same boxes Mitrović did when he joined Newcastle in 2015 - raw physicality, fearlessness in the box, and experience at the highest level despite his age.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig called him a “monster” and praised his blend of pace, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing.
Standing at 1.93m, the Spain international scored 27 goals in 45 appearances for Porto last season, including 19 in the league and six in the Europa League.
Two of those came in a statement performance against Manchester United, underlining his ability to deliver when the stakes are highest.
Since exploding into one of Europe’s most sought-after young strikers, he is now valued at €80m (£70m) by the club, as per the report.
Atlético still hold a 50% sell-on clause, meaning any deal for Newcastle will require significant negotiation.
Why Newcastle see shades of Mitrović
For Newcastle supporters, the comparison to Aleksandar Mitrović is not just about physical presence.
When the Serbian joined in 2015 from Anderlecht for £13m, he was 20 years old, fearless, and carried Champions League experience - much like Aghehowa now.
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Sesko vs Samu
Mitrović’s time at St James’ Park had its ups and downs, with 17 goals, ten assists, and two red cards in 72 appearances, but his connection with the fans was instant.
He went on to become a prolific scorer for Fulham, netting 111 goals in 206 appearances and setting the Championship single-season scoring record with 46.
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Now tearing up the Saudi Pro League for Al-Hilal - with 47 goals in 51 games - Mitrović has never hidden his affection for Newcastle.
With the Saudi Public Investment Fund owning both Al-Hilal and the Magpies, a romantic reunion is possible, but for now, the focus is firmly on finding the next big striker for the future.
Aghehowa’s profile suggests he could be just that.
Samu Aghehowa - Stats 2024/25
Matches Played
Starts
Minutes
Goals
Assists
Progressive Carries
Progressive Passes
Shot on Target Percentage
Shot Creating Action per 90
Source: FBref
His underlying numbers from last season highlight his pedigree: he ranks in the 75th percentile for non-penalty xG per 90 (0.43), 86th percentile for total shots (3.10), 96th for pass completion (77.8%), and 86th for touches in the attacking penalty area (5.45).
His combination of brute force, explosive acceleration, and composure in front of goal is rare for a player of his age, and his European experience means he would not arrive as a complete unknown.
For Howe, whose side thrives on direct transitions, the fit is clear. That said, Newcastle know they must tread carefully.
Samu 2024-25 stats (timeless)
The market for elite young strikers is fiercely competitive, and Porto’s position is strong - they are under no pressure to sell, and the presence of Atlético’s sell-on clause will only push the asking price higher.
The situation is further complicated by the unresolved Isak saga.
Until Newcastle either sell or reintegrate their wantaway forward, finalising a deal for Aghehowa will be difficult.
FC Porto's Samu Omorodion celebrates scoring their fourth goal
FC Porto's Samu Omorodion celebrates scoring their fourth goal
But with just weeks left in the window, the club’s hierarchy faces a choice: move aggressively for their top target now, or risk entering the season short of firepower.
For supporters, the hope is that whoever arrives can replicate the impact of Mitrović in his early days — raw, fearless, and ready to rattle defences.
Aghehowa, with his stature, record, and big-game pedigree, might just be that player. And if the deal comes off, St James’ Park could soon have a new cult hero leading the line.