Alexander Isak’s departure from Newcastle United was a bitter blow to the club and the supporters – especially considering the fashion in which the striker went about his exit.
Refusal to train, and various transfer requests, undoubtedly tarnished the legacy he created at St James’ Park and saw him complete a £125m transfer to join Premier League rivals, Liverpool.
Eddie Howe’s side had the perfect opportunity to reinvest the money into the senior ranks, but their £120m spending spree to sign two new centre-forwards now appears to be a huge waste.
Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade both arrived on Tyneside last summer to fill the void left by Isak, but could only muster nine top-flight goals between them last term.
A host of attacking additions are once again expected during the ongoing window, leading to numerous top talents appearing on the Magpies’ radar.
Newcastle consider bid to sign £40m talisman this summer
It’s safe to say all areas of the Newcastle frontline failed to deliver throughout 2025/26, which has seen the need for fresh blood increase in recent months.
RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa has been mentioned as just one player who’s under consideration, with scouts even being sent to watch the Norwegian international.
A deal for the 21-year-old could cost in the region of £43m, as the hierarchy desperately hunt to land an adequate replacement for the recently departed Anthony Gordon.
However, the signing of a new centre-forward still remains one of the club’s main priorities at present, with Chelsea star Liam Delap once again mentioned as a possible option.
According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle have been alerted about the Englishman’s availability this window and could be tempted to make an offer for his services.
The Magpies aren’t alone in that regard though, as the report claims fellow Premier League club Everton are also keen on securing the 23-year-old’s signature.
Xabi Alonso’s side are said to be willing to allow the forward to depart Stamford Bridge during the current window, but only if they receive an offer in the region of £40m.
Why Delap would be Howe’s next Isak at Newcastle
Despite the circumstances around his controversial departure from Newcastle last summer, there’s no denying Isak is one of the best attacking players to ever wear the club’s shirt.
The 26-year-old managed to find the back of the net 62 times in his 109 appearances across all competitions – with no player scoring more for the Magpies between 2022 and 2025.
He certainly provided value for money after the Saudi PIF forked out £60m for his signature – not to mention offering a club-record sale upon his move to Liverpool.
|
Newcastle United’s most expensive signings of all time |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Player |
Fee |
Signed from |
|
Nick Woltemade |
£69m |
Stuttgart |
|
Alexander Isak |
£60m |
Real Sociedad |
|
Sandro Tonali |
£55m |
AC Milan |
|
Anthony Elanga |
£55m |
Nottingham Forest |
|
Yoane Wissa |
£55m |
Brentford |
|
Anthony Gordon |
£45m |
Everton |
|
Jacob Ramsey |
£43m |
Aston Villa |
Despite the hatred being directed Isak’s way in recent months, the fanbase will no doubt wish they had a player of his calibre within the ranks during the recent campaign.
The struggles of Wissa and Woltemade were largely evident throughout the majority of the season – and highlighted by the sheer lack of goals from the pair in the Premier League.
However, the Magpies could finally solve their number nine woes this window, but they will have to fork out yet another expensive deal to secure Delap’s signature.
There’s no denying the Englishman won’t be many of the supporters’ first choice this summer – especially after only scoring on league goal for Chelsea in 2025/26.
Despite his struggles, the 23-year-old has previously starred in England’s top-division, as seen by his tally of 12 goals in 37 games for Ipswich Town the season prior.
During such a season, Delap showcased numerous qualities and even managed to match or better Isak in various key areas within the attacking third of the pitch.
The Englishman, who’s been dubbed a “monster” by former teammate Alex Palmer, registered a 47% shot on target accuracy rate – a tally higher than that of the Swedish international.
Delap also managed to achieve a higher dribble success rate than the former Magpies talisman – arguably making him a more all-round option for Howe on Tyneside.
The 23-year-old’s dominance over the former fan-favourite was further reflected in his aerial ability – which saw him win more of the battles he contested in the air.
His recent season at Stamford Bridge was undoubtedly one to forget, but it’s one that shouldn’t put the Magpies off from making a move for his signature.
£40m may appear to be a hefty investment after his failures at Chelsea, but it could prove to be a phenomenal piece of business should he emulate Isak’s levels at St James’ Park.
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