Alexander Isak’s departure from Newcastle United last summer was a bitter blow to Eddie Howe and the supporters - but it presented a fresh opportunity to push the club in the right direction.
The hierarchy had £125m to spend after the Swede’s departure from St James’ Park, but it’s safe to say their investment in the senior ranks has been a huge failure.
Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade were both signed by the Magpies board, with the pair costing a total of £124m combined - with most of Isak’s fee going on the arrival of the two additions.
Wissa
However, the aforementioned pair have only managed nine Premier League goals between them this term - resulting in a measly 12th-placed finish for Howe’s men.
This summer hands the hierarchy the perfect opportunity to right the wrongs of last year’s failures, with numerous attackers already appearing on their radar.
Newcastle prepare offer for top European striker
In an attempt to bolster the club’s attacking department, Newcastle have identified Chelsea forward Liam Delap as a potential addition this summer.
The Englishman has found minutes hard to come by this season - only starting 12 times - resulting in rumours of a quick departure from Stamford Bridge this window.
liam-delap-chelsea
The Blues are said to be open to selling the 23-year-old in the months ahead, but would likely command £30m for his signature - the figure they paid for him 12 months ago.
Delap isn’t the only player who’s appeared on the Magpies’ shortlist in recent days, with Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović another player admired by staff on Tyneside.
According to Italian outlet Tutto Sport, Newcastle are preparing an offer to land the Serbian international who’s set to leave at the end of his contract this summer.
The report also states that interest in the 26-year-old is set to be high this window, with Bayern Munich and Chelsea just two other clubs keen on his signature.
Napoli have also offered Vlahovic an option to stay in Italy, with the article failing to mention where the attacker’s preferred destination is ahead of the window.
Why Vlahovic joining Newcastle would be bad news for Osula
Despite the heavy spending to improve the forward line last summer, young striker Will Osula has been the man chosen by Howe to lead the line in recent months.
william-osula-newcastle-west-ham
The Danish international, who joined from Sheffield United in the summer of 2024, has had to bide his time for regular first-team minutes - but it’s safe to say he’s taken full advantage of his opportunity.
The 22-year-old has started each of the last seven Premier League matches, subsequently registering five goals in such a period - ending the year as the club’s third-highest goalscorer.
Newcastle PL top scorers (2025/26)
Player
Bruno Guimaraes
Nick Woltemade
Harvey Barnes
Will Osula
Anthony Gordon
Malick Thiaw
Jacob Murphy
Jacob Ramsey
As a result, it would be a surprise to no one if Osula was once again Howe’s number one option next term - but that may be a tricky task if a deal for Vlahovic is reached.
The Serbian international will undoubtedly demand regular first-team minutes - not to mention the hefty wages he would command upon any switch to Tyneside.
dusan-vlahovic-juventus
However, it would be money well spent on the 26-year-old, with the Juventus star a player who has constantly provided the goods within the final third in recent seasons.
The attacker has managed to register double figures in goals during each of his last seven seasons in Italy - many of which have come in the Champions League.
Such quality has led to Italian legend Luca Toni labelling Vlahovic as “one of the best strikers in the world” - highlighting the quality of player the Magpies could land on a free transfer.
The 26-year-old has notched 1.7 shots on target per 90 in Serie A this campaign - with such a tally ranking him in the top 5% of all attackers in the division.
His tally of 7.3 touches in the opposition box per 90 showcases his fox-in-the-box type instincts, subsequently ranking him in the top 10% of players in Europe this season.
Osula has been unable to get anywhere near the numbers produced by Vlahovic this term - with the Serbian undoubtedly a different calibre of centre-forward to the Dane.
Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic during the warm up
It’s not often a player of Vlahovic’s quality becomes available on a free transfer, but it’s crucial the Magpies work tirelessly this summer to avoid missing out on his signature.
The interest from Chelsea and Bayern should put the Magpies on red alert and highlight the need to work quickly to land their chosen targets during the summer window.
Osula has been a phenomenal option for Howe’s side in recent months, but a move for Vlahovic would certainly see him struggle to maintain his starting role.
Wissa Related
He wipes the floor with Wissa: Newcastle start talks to sign £30m striker
Newcastle United could be set for another huge summer of incomings at St James' Park.