Few transfer windows have tested Newcastle United's resolve quite like this one.
The Magpies’ pursuit of a reliable centre-forward has stretched across the summer, with numerous targets identified but deals proving elusive.
Liam Delap and João Pedro went to Chelsea, Hugo Ekitike chose a different project, and Benjamin Šeško slipped away despite strong interest.
Each missed opportunity has increased the pressure on Newcastle’s recruitment team and added urgency to their search.
The situation has been further complicated by Alexander Isak’s public desire to leave St James’ Park.
After being linked with Liverpool all summer, the Swedish striker released a statement on Instagram citing broken promises and his wish for a fresh start.
He has refused to reintegrate into Eddie Howe’s squad, missed the opening Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa and Liverpool, and reportedly will not return to training.
That has left Newcastle without a senior striker, particularly damaging with Anthony Gordon suspended following his red card against Liverpool.
On Thursday night, a breakthrough came with a club-record £69m agreement for Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, a towering 23-year-old who scored 12 Bundesliga goals last term.
angelo-stiller-vfb-stuttgart
Bayern Munich had been circling, but persuasive talks with Howe convinced him of the Tyneside project.
Woltemade’s arrival is significant, but Newcastle may not stop there.
Latest on Newcastle's next striker target
The other name at the heart of Newcastle’s transfer plans is Jørgen Strand Larsen.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Magpies are preparing to return with a third bid for Wolves’ 25-year-old striker after two earlier offers were turned down, the latest worth £55m.
VfB Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade in action with Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha and Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae
Wolves remain determined to hold onto their "proper No.9", as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson, who only joined permanently from Celta Vigo this summer after a loan deal was made permanent for £23m.
Strand Larsen has quickly become central to Vítor Pereira’s attack at Molineux. The forward is understood to be open to a move, particularly with the lure of Champions League football at St James’ Park.
Reports suggest he has politely asked Wolves’ hierarchy to consider Newcastle’s approach, but the Midlands club - who have already sold Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri - insist he is not for sale.
Their stance mirrors Brentford’s firm rejection of Newcastle’s advances for Yoane Wissa earlier in the window. Nevertheless, Newcastle remain undeterred.
With Isak unavailable and Wilson gone, Howe sees the Norwegian as the ideal fit for his high-pressing, direct system.
With Woltemade’s arrival all but secured, the coaching staff view Strand Larsen not as a replacement, but as an upgrade on the German - potentially giving Newcastle two very different attacking options heading into a demanding season.
How Strand Larsen compares to Woltemade
The potential of signing both Strand Larsen and Woltemade has sparked debate among supporters and analysts alike.
Both are young, tall centre-forwards with room to develop, yet their statistical profiles highlight different strengths.
Stats - 2024/25
Stat
Matches Played
Goals
Assists
Progressive Passes
Progressive Carries
Source: FBref
Strand Larsen was consistent for Wolves in the Premier League last season, scoring 14 times and registering 18 goal involvements across 35 appearances.
His efficiency in front of goal is reflected in a 61.1% shot-on-target rate - impressively high for a striker taking regular attempts.
Per 90 minutes, he averaged 1.15 shots on target, underlining his ability to work goalkeepers with relatively few wasted efforts.
Nick Woltemade
While not prolific in ball progression, his 0.59 progressive carries and 1.01 progressive passes per 90 demonstrate a willingness to link up play.
By contrast, Woltemade’s numbers at Stuttgart last term illustrate a more versatile and mobile profile.
Despite featuring in only 28 Bundesliga matches, he recorded 14 goal involvements and averaged a higher volume of progressive actions - 1.72 carries and 2.89 progressive passes per 90.
His overall involvement in attacking moves was greater, reflected by 4.38 shot-creating actions per 90 compared to Strand Larsen’s 1.46.
Physically taller at 1.98m, the German also excels at dropping deeper to knit midfield and attack, though his shot accuracy (50% on target) lags behind his Norwegian counterpart.
Strand Larsen
Defensively, Woltemade again offers more.
He averages 0.56 tackles and 1.28 blocks per 90, showing greater defensive contribution in Newcastle’s high-pressing style.
Strand Larsen, meanwhile, contributes less off the ball (0.35 tackles, 0.66 blocks per 90), though his aerial strength (1.93m frame) provides a different outlet.
Taken together, these statistics explain Newcastle’s thinking. In Woltemade, they gain a forward comfortable carrying and distributing the ball, useful against teams who defend deep.
In Strand Larsen, they would secure a more clinical, penalty-box striker, adept at punishing defensive lapses and capitalising on crosses.
Having both options would give Howe tactical flexibility, allowing for different styles depending on the opposition.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe
The reality is that Newcastle’s hopes of re-establishing themselves as Champions League regulars rest on finding a reliable source of goals.
Isak’s impending exit has created a void, and while Woltemade’s signing has eased immediate concerns, the addition of Strand Larsen would truly transform their attacking department.
Whether Wolves can be persuaded before the deadline remains to be seen, but Newcastle’s persistence suggests they are ready to push hard.