For the second year running, frustrations bubbling from the summer transfer window have threatened to slam the brakes on Eddie Howe's project. But Newcastle United are made of sterner stuff.
Blunted by the absence of Alexander Isak at Villa Park last weekend, Newcastle kept a clean sheet and played well, albeit shaking hands with Unai Emery's Aston Villa after failing to move forward from parity. But there was much to like, the visitors showing signs of eliteness maintained.
Alexander-Isak-1
Tougher tests lie ahead - not least the clash with Premier League champions Liverpool at St. James' Park on Monday night - but there's every reason that the Tynesiders will find success once again in their travels this season.
As Arne Slot's side continue to pursue the wantaway Isak, so too does PIF's resolve remain taut. We've only a week until the transfer window slams mercifully shut, but whether the Sweden international remains on Tyneside is anyone's guess.
The latest on Isak's Newcastle future
Isak's incendiary comments last week put to rest any confusion or hopes regarding his stance: he is desperate to leave Newcastle and sign for Liverpool.
Alexander-Isak-statement-Newcastle
But 'I want' does not always get. The 25-year-old is contracted for three more years, and while he believes it had been intimated that he could leave for a new challenge this year, external forces have made that difficult, and he has little power from which to leverage his position.
While Isak will not play a part against Liverpool, a fixture seemingly dated by fate, all things considered, Howe is firm in his belief that Isak can still be reintegrated, if and when.
Isak Premier League record
And PIF? Their stance has not changed: Isak isn't for sale. Many figures have been bandied about, but it truly seems like an offer in the region of £150m is required if Newcastle are to part with their prized piece.
But the transfer market is a vicious beast, and every eventuality remains on the cards. With this in mind, Newcastle continue to push for new recruits at number nine.
Newcastle's search for a striker
The protracted bid for Yoane Wissa still hasn't come to a head. There are parallels to Isak's situation, for sure, with the DR Congo forward desperate to leave Brentford and join Newcastle within the week.
However, Isak's future at Newcastle and the prospect of Wissa joining are not mutually exclusive; Callum Wilson left the Toon at the end of his contract last season, and so two strikers must be signed for Isak to leave.
And in the dreaded event of that happening, Italian outlet Tuttosport have claimed - via Sport Witness - that Newcastle have made a late approach for Paris Saint-Germain star Randal Kolo Muani, who has been slated to join Juventus after his recent loan spell.
randal-kolo-muani-juventus
Differences between French and Italian terms have proved a sticking point, with PSG looking for €70m (£61m), and if a breakthrough cannot be found, Newcastle could swoop in, having already made an official approach, along with an unnamed Saudi club.
What Randal Kolo Muani would bring to Newcastle
Newcastle need a striker. Kolo Muani would be a fantastic buy in replacing Isak, especially if welcomed along with Wissa, who is far less dynamic and athletic, yet a reliable marksman in front of goal.
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Juventus loanee Randal Kolo Muani celebrates.
In September 2023, Kolo Muani left his rich career at Eintracht Frankfurt and signed for PSG in a £76m deal, but his time back in his homeland has been disappointing, posting only 11 goals and seven assists over 54 matches.
However, a short-term move to Juventus in January has built the 26-year-old back up, eight goals scored in Serie A, 13 goal involvements racked up in all competitions, just 22 matches played.
The Les Bleus star's big move to PSG hasn't worked out, but that's okay. He's still one of the most dangerous strikers around, proven across other divisions, hailed as a "superstar" by German legend Lothar Matthaus during his Frankfurt days.
France's Randal Kolo Muani reacts
France's Randal Kolo Muani reacts
With Wissa adopting a more straightforward role in Howe's system, Kolo Muani could step into Isak's boots, taking the veritable form of the £120k-per-week sensation and preserving his presence, that style of play which has served United so well.
Nick Pope once described Isak as being "like a wizard" after setting up that goal against Everton, but Kolo Muani has a similarly creative slant to his game.
Across his 13 matches in the Serie A last year, the Frenchman averaged 1.1 key passes per game, as per Sofascore, and regularly sparked chances when taking on his man, beating him.
Actually, looking at Kolo Muani's metrics across the past year in comparison to Isak's, Newcastle's interest becomes clearer. He's the real deal, all right, and has the mobility and roundedness to replace the Swede, should he leave.
Kolo Muani vs Isak (past 365 days)
Stats (per 90)
Goals scored
Assists
Shots taken
Touches (att pen)
Shot-creating actions
Pass completion
Progressive passes
Progressive carries
Successful take-ons
Ball recoveries
Tackles + interceptions
Data via FBref
These are centre-forwards with skill beyond that of merely scoring goals, complete strikers both. While Isak is clearly the more confident and productive man, it's worth noting that Kolo Muani spent the first half of the 2024/25 campaign languishing in Paris, scoring twice and assisting once across ten Ligue 1 games.
Would Kolo Muani replicate Isak's output? Perhaps not. Isak scored 27 goals and assisted six more across all competitions last season, with his clinical edge a large part behind his billing as England's record-breaking man, should Liverpool sign him.
But Kolo Muani would be a more than adequate replacement, retaining some of the Scandinavian star's same style. With Wissa joining too, it could be a fantastic deal for Howe's side.