Newcastle United are looking to replace Alexander Isak, but there are not many options out there to explore.
With time running out in the transfer window, Isak looks set to stay at Newcastle United. That is despite Isak’s statement claiming that promises were broken.
One promise Newcastle never made to Isak was that he could leave. For that to happen, an acceptable offer would need to come in and a replacement would be required.
That replacement looks unlikely. Newcastle have considered Nicolas Jackson, but have reservations over his suitability.
That is understandable, but former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock cannot understand why another Premier League striker is not on Eddie Howe’s radar.
Stephen Warnock working as a pundit ahead of the 2024 Carabao Cup final.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Newcastle United told to move for Jean-Philippe Mateta
As Newcastle United continue to peruse the striker market, Warnock has told the Sports Agents podcast that he thinks Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta would be a good fit at St James’ Park.
“Newcastle are at that stage at the moment that if they lose Isak, why wouldn’t you look at Mateta?” he asked.
“He’s one of the names that has not really been mentioned. I’m thinking you’ve got wingers who put balls into the box…”
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Warnock appeared on the Sports Agents podcast alongside Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, who then debated whether Nicolas Jackson would be a good option for Newcastle.
In the eyes of Warnock, Mateta would be a better buy than the Chelsea player.
Warnock added: “I think the big thing with Mateta is his goals record is decent. He’s performed well and he links up well. Whereas Jackson is hugely frustrating, the amount of times he gets caught offside. Does he warrant a £70million transfer? Probably not.”
Stephen Warnock suggests Nicolas Jackson could be adored at Newcastle United
Whoever Newcastle United go for will know they are not first choice. The Magpies made big moves for Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, but they chose to join Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.
That could present a problem, but Warnock has suggested that a player like Nicolas Jackson would quickly get over not being the Magpies’ first choice if he enjoyed a hot start to life in black and white.
“If Nicolas Jackson goes to Newcastle and scores five goals in his first 10 games and suddenly Newcastle fans adore him, all that talk about being third or fourth choice is completely forgotten,” he said.
“He’s up and running and thinking what a move this is.”
Warnock is certainly right about Jackson, but it feels unlikely that his theory will be put to the test.
Newcastle’s Isak replacement needs to be ready to be a difference-maker in the Champions League. They cannot just take a punt on someone, which is why the risk of signing Jackson is one that Newcastle are unlikely to take.