Craig Hope has provided an update on Newcastle United’s interest in Goncalo Ramos, which could have implications on Alexander Isak and Liverpool.
Newcastle have renewed their interest in Ramos as they look to sign a potential replacement for Isak, who wants to move to Anfield.
Indeed, Newcastle are unlikely to sell Isak without signing a replacement and the potential deal to bring Yoane Wissa in from Brentford is unlikely to change their thinking.
Newcastle see Wissa as Callum Wilson’s replacement, so his potential arrival may not necessarily unlock the door for Isak to go.
Getting Ramos too, however, may allow the Sweden star the move he so desperately wants.
Still, Hope did not sound too confident about a deal for the Paris Saint-Germain star actually happening.
Goncalo Ramos celebrates scoring for Paris Saint-Germain against Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Photo by Elsa – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Goncalo Ramos to Newcastle United in doubt
Hope was speaking on a video posted on YouTube following Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.
While the Daily Mail journalist again expressed optimism that Wissa could join the club before the end of the transfer window, the situation may be different with Ramos.
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“I remain convinced he [Wissa] is going to come in next week,” said Hope.
“We’re expecting that one to progress and they’re looking [for another striker]. The story I broke last night, Goncalo Ramos the PSG striker is back on the agenda.
“He was and then he wasn’t, I was told last week that it’s not happening. Then I was told yesterday that actually there’s a chance it might, Newcastle have been given some encouragement there.
“But again, I think that would be a really hard one to do. I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one for want of a better phrase.
“But they are looking, he is an option absolutely. I’ve had that confirmed, that’s why I put the story out there last night.”
Eddie Howe confirms Newcastle United transfer plans
Eddie Howe has left the door open for Isak to return to the fold at St James’ Park, although it remains to be seen if the striker takes up that offer.
The Newcastle United manager has admitted that the club remain active in the transfer market, however.
“The balance of the bench isn’t quite what we want at the moment,” he said (via BBC Radio Newcastle).
“As you say, we have a lot of defenders and not many attacking options, which we hope can change in the coming weeks.”
With every passing day, it’s difficult to see Newcastle actually selling Isak with so little time to land a convincing replacement. They won’t be forced into anything.
Equally, it’s hard to see how the Swede comes back from this. Newcastle fans aimed angry chants towards Isak at Villa Park amid a feeling he’s let the club down this summer.
It’s a tense situation and to confidently predict what will happen next would be foolish.