Newcastle United fans undoubtedly were disappointed last summer as striker Alexander Isak completed his £125m transfer to join Liverpool following a hugely controversial saga.
Such funds gave Eddie Howe over £200m to spend on new additions at St James’ Park, but it’s safe to say the vast majority of the investment has been wasted.
The Magpies could only secure a 12th-place finish in the Premier League this campaign, whilst bitter rivals Sunderland secured a place in the Europa League.
eddie-howe-newcastle
As a result, this summer is a crucial period for the manager and the recruitment team as they aim to right the wrongs of last year and mount a push for a return to European football.
Despite the window not opening until early June, the hierarchy have already done their due diligence and identified numerous potential transfer targets ahead of the summer.
Newcastle enter talks to sign £30m talisman this summer
In an attempt to bolster the Newcastle attacking department, a whole host of attackers around Europe have been touted with a summer move to join Howe’s side.
Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic is just one player who’s been mentioned as a transfer target, as the Serbian international is set to leave when his contract expires next month.
Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic
The 26-year-old, who’s scored seven league goals this term, would be interested in a move to the Premier League - but it’s unclear if the Magpies’ lack of European football could scupper a move.
Premier League-proven options are also being considered ahead of the upcoming window, with Chelsea striker Liam Delap another on the hierarchy’s shortlist.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, Newcastle have been in discussions over numerous transfers with the Blues - which has seen the 23-year-old’s name being mentioned.
The report states that a swap deal could take place between the two sides this window, with the English forward desperately wanting consistent first-team minutes to aid his development.
Chelsea are said to be welcoming a sale, but could command a hefty fee for his signature, after signing the attacker from Ipswich Town for a reported £30m 12 months ago.
Why Delap would wipe the floor with Wissa at Newcastle
Spending big on Premier League strikers hasn’t been alien to Newcastle in recent times, as seen by the £55m deal to land Yoane Wissa from Brentford last summer.
Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa
Many had high hopes for the 29-year-old on Tyneside, but his spell with the Magpies has been a disaster - as seen by his measly tally of one goal in his 19 league outings.
The Congolese international has only started four games and amassed a total of just 521 minutes of action - subsequently missing the first half of the season with a knee injury.
Fewest PL minutes for Newcastle (2025/26)
Player
Alex Murphy
Sean Neave
Jamaal Lascelles
Emil Krafth
Yoane Wissa
Will Osula
Joe Willock
Aaron Ramsdale
It remains unclear how much of a senior role Wissa will have at St James’ Park next term, but it’s evident that Howe’s men are in desperate need of added attacking reinforcements.
A deal for Delap may not be the one fans were expecting, but it’s a transfer that could benefit all parties should it be completed ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Liam-Delap-Chelsea-Burnley
Like Wissa, he’s only registered one league goal this term, but has bettered the current Magpies number nine in key areas, which could make him a better fit for the manager’s system.
The 23-year-old has won more of the aerial duels he’s entered this season, whilst drawing more fouls - with the opposition often having to foul him due to his dominant nature in forward areas.
Howe’s side need a focal point to play off within his system, with Wissa simply unable to provide such a quality due to his small stature - resulting in him being shrugged off the ball countless times.
Delap, who’s been dubbed “phenomenal” by former teammate Jens Cajuste, has registered more shots on target per 90, whilst also achieving a better xG in 2025/26.
The aforementioned figures highlight that he’s often been unfortunate in forward areas, with the opposition goalkeeper often preventing him from increasing his goal tally.
Despite his target-man playstyle, the Blues forward has completed more of his attempted dribbles - which could make him a more all-round option for the Magpies.
Chelsea's Liam Delap on the pitch before the match
£30m for the 23-year-old striker could prove to be an excellent piece of business - especially if he can emulate his 12-goal season from his time at Ipswich Town.
His all-round quality within attacking areas would undoubtedly prove to be an upgrade on Wissa, who simply hasn’t delivered the goods after his own big-money switch.
The Congolese centre forward could even be moved on during the upcoming window, which could see the need for a new number nine grow in the coming months.
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