Newcastle reach 'full agreement' for striker in Isak boost to Reds and Slot
Newcastle reach 'full agreement' for striker in Isak boost to Reds and Slot
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Newcastle United have reached a full agreement with Stuttgart for striker Nick Woltemade, fuelling speculation that Alexander Isak could be allowed to leave amid interest from Liverpool, the latest report has claimed.
The Toon have struggled to get a number of deals over the line this summer, with moves for strikers Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro failing to materialise.
Their inability to sign a number nine has hampered Liverpool's pursuit of Magpies striker Isak, who has refused to train with the club due to his desire to make the switch to Anfield.
The summer window is in its final stages, and with the September 1 deadline approaching, there are fears that a transfer for the Swede will not be finalised in time.
However, transfer expert Florian Plettenberg has claimed that Newcastle have reached an agreement with Stuttgart for Woltemade for a fee that could rise to more than £77.5m.
Nick Woltemade of Stuttgart during his side's DFB-Pokal match against Arminia Bielefeld, on May 24, 2025
Nick Woltemade of Stuttgart during his side's DFB-Pokal match against Arminia Bielefeld, on May 24, 2025
Do Newcastle United still need a Callum Wilson replacement?
Any successor to Isak will have a tough challenge trying to replicate his impact on Tyneside given he ended the 2024-25 Premier League season as the division's second top scorer (23), ahead of Erling Haaland (22) and only behind Mohamed Salah (29).
Woltemade netted 12 times in the Bundesliga last term, and the 23-year-old still needs to develop if he is to make a success of himself in England.
Perhaps signing a more senior forward would help the Stuttgart man adapt to life at St James' Park, with Brentford attacker Yoane Wissa strongly linked.
Wissa scored 19 Premier League goals in 2024-25, and the 28-year-old could be a sensible replacement for Callum Wilson, who departed for West Ham United upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
The Toon have been locked in negotiations with Brentford for the attacker for some time, and Liverpool will hope that they will still be able to sign Isak even if Wissa does not complete a move to Newcastle.
Newcastle United's Callum Wilson on May 20, 2024
Newcastle United's Callum Wilson on May 20, 2024
Why Liverpool need Alexander Isak this summer transfer window
Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has managed to score in each of his first two Premier League games this season, and his ability to hold off physically imposing opponents has been impressive.
The 23-year-old is currently Slot's only recognised number nine, and asking him to play every match in his debut season could place unnecessary pressure on him.
Despite some fans being concerned about Isak taking the place of Ekitike in the XI, the latter is versatile enough to be used in other positions.
Perhaps Liverpool have taken the approach of signing the best players available, and then figuring out how to fit them into the team later.
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