Newcastle United's search for attacking reinforcements has defined their summer window, with Eddie Howe desperate to reshape his forward line before the transfer deadline.
The long-running uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak has complicated matters, while Callum Wilson’s departure to West Ham has also forced the club into action.
The Magpies have already secured one marquee addition up front, with German striker Nick Woltemade set to arrive from Stuttgart in a club-record £69m deal.
The 23-year-old, who impressed at the U21 Euros, is viewed internally as the direct replacement for wantaway forward Isak.
The Swedish international has refused to reintegrate into Howe’s squad after Liverpool made an approach earlier in the summer.
Alexander-Isak-Carabao-Cup-trophy
Woltemade’s arrival marks a significant step forward for Newcastle’s recruitment drive, but the club are not finished yet.
Howe and his staff want a second new attacker before the window closes - and another target continues to make headlines as he pushes for a move to Tyneside.
Newcastle ready for next striker swoop
According to Ben Jacobs, Brentford forward Yoane Wissa has made his desire to move to St James' Park clear and is actively "pushing to join Newcastle" after the Magpies had their most recent bid - £35m plus £5m in add-ons - rejected.
yoane-wissa-premier-league-brentford
The lure of playing Champions League football is said to play a central role in the forward's thinking.
Brentford are holding firm on their reported £50m valuation, but Newcastle are expected to return with an improved offer.
At 28 years old, Wissa does not fit the usual recruitment profile favoured by the club’s hierarchy, who typically target players aged 24 or under.
However, his Premier League track record makes him an attractive option.
Last season he scored 19 goals and registered five assists in just 35 appearances.
Newcastle view Woltemade as the long-term successor to Isak, but Wissa is seen as the ideal replacement for Wilson, who has struggled with injuries over the past two campaigns.
The prospect of pairing the Bundesliga forward with the Brentford star excites Howe’s staff, who may feel the duo would represent a clear upgrade on Wilson and Isak.
Newcastle could be set to upgrade on Wilson & Isak
From a tactical standpoint, the potential combination of Woltemade and Wissa offers Newcastle something they lacked last season - consistency and availability.
Injuries to Isak and Wilson meant the pair missed 38 games between them in 2024/25, leaving Howe short of reliable attacking options.
Callum-Wilson-Isak-Newcastle
By contrast, Woltemade and Wissa missed only seven matches combined, underlining their durability across demanding domestic campaigns.
The German striker brings physical presence at 1.98m, aerial dominance, and the ability to link play with intelligent hold-up work.
His Bundesliga return of 12 goals in 28 appearances last season demonstrates his effectiveness, but his underlying numbers point to even greater potential.
According to FBref, Woltemade averages 4.38 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes - more than double Wissa’s 2.13 - and completed 26.1 carries per 90, highlighting his tendency to drop deeper and progress the ball.
Wissa, by contrast, offers ruthless penalty-box instincts and movement in behind. He contributed 23 goal involvements in 25 league appearances last season, placing him among the most efficient forwards in the division.
While his shot-on-target percentage of 45.6% was slightly lower than Woltemade’s 50%, his ability to get into scoring positions consistently is a key asset.
Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade
Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade
His 1.27 shots on target per 90 closely matches the German’s 1.28.
In terms of progressive metrics, Woltemade edges it again, with 2.89 progressive passes per 90 compared to Wissa’s 2.07 and a passing distance of 58.8 metres against 49.9.
But Wissa makes up ground defensively, averaging more tackles (0.68 per 90) and matching the younger striker’s pressing intensity.
Brentford forward Yoane Wissa celebrates
For Howe, the blend of attributes is what makes the partnership appealing.
Woltemade can act as the focal point - a target man capable of holding defenders and bringing teammates into play - while Wissa thrives as a secondary striker or inside forward, exploiting space with his acceleration and sharp finishing.
Together, they could provide Newcastle with a frontline as effective as any in the Premier League.
Stats - 2024/25
Stat
Matches Played
Goals
Assists
Progressive Carries
Progressive Passes
Source: FBref
The only concern is Wissa’s age profile and potential absence due to the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2026.
At 28, he does not represent a long-term investment in the same way as Woltemade, and his participation in AFCON could leave Newcastle short during a critical period of the season.
Wissa-Brentford-Keith-Andrews
That said, the contrast in availability compared to Wilson and Isak last season suggests he would still significantly boost squad reliability.
Newcastle have already strengthened across other positions - adding Jacob Ramsey, Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw and Aaron Ramsdale - but the club’s ability to truly challenge on all fronts depends on securing the necessary firepower.
Without a recognised striker, they struggled to convert chances in their opening fixtures against Aston Villa and Liverpool, with makeshift options failing to deliver in front of goal.
The pursuit of Wissa, therefore, is about more than depth. It represents Newcastle’s determination to build a balanced and reliable forward line for both domestic and European campaigns.
With Woltemade already in the building and the Brentford forward still pushing to make the switch, Howe could soon have the attacking options he needs to move on from the uncertainty of the Isak era.