Newcastle can sign an elite-level Woltemade for £51m before the deadline

Many predicted Newcastle United to have a tough 2026/27 Premier League campaign, after losing a number of their most influential senior squad members.

However, Matthias Jaissle has overseen a summer window which has placed a huge focus on rebuilding and still making the Magpies an immediate force to be reckoned with.

The hierarchy have spent heavily on young talents, with an average age of just 21, but options who have already amassed key top-division experience despite their tender age.

Multiple departures are still expected before the transfer window slams shut, but the manager should be desperately looking to keep hold of one current squad member.

Why Newcastle should keep Woltemade this summer

Replacing Alexander Isak last summer was always going to be a near-impossible task, with the Newcastle hierarchy deciding to sign Nick Woltemade to try and fill the void left by the Swede.

The Magpies spent a reported £69m on the German international 12 months ago, but it’s safe to say the 24-year-old endured a tricky first season in the Premier League.

He only netted eight times within his 33 top-flight appearances, and often found himself operating in unnatural positions to try and get the best out of his skillset.

As a result of his struggles, Woltemade has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park, with Italian side Napoli even making an offer to sign the striker on loan.

However, Jaissle should be looking to keep hold of the German this summer, with the player potentially benefiting from another year of adapting to England’s top-flight.

Many players who arrive from the Bundesliga take time to adapt to the demands of the division, as seen with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan and Heung-min Son.

Both players registered fewer than 10 goals in their opening year in England, but with time, undoubtedly proved to be some of the most talented players the division has ever seen.

How Newcastle can land an elite-level Woltemade this summer

Even if Woltemade remains at Newcastle beyond the end of the window, the hierarchy are still planning to add further depth and quality to the senior ranks.

Lille star Matias Fernandez-Pardo has been heavily mentioned as a possible transfer target, with Jaissle’s men even having an opening offer rejected for the winger.

However, he’s not the only attacking-minded player touted with a move to Tyneside at present, with Bilal El Khannouss another player high on their current shortlist.

The Athletic have provided the latest on their Magpies’ hunt for the Moroccan international and claim that he is a long-standing target after trying to sign him 12 months ago, with ‘concurrent negotiations’ taking place regarding a number of players, including El Khannouss and Fernandez-Pardo.

They also report that El Khannouss is seen as an excellent option to provide creativity within forward areas – something which Jaissle’s men currently lack – while prior claims suggest he could cost as much as £51m.

Whilst he operates in a different position to Woltemade, El Khannouss could be about to emulate the German in arriving from the same German club.

He would arguably be a better fit for the club at present, with the former Leicester City star having experience of starring in England’s top-flight previously.

The 22-year-old’s stats from the 2024/25 campaign showcase his ability to star in such a division – subsequently producing some impressive figures despite featuring for a side who suffered relegation.

El Khannouss’ passing range is one of his biggest assets, as seen during his time in the Premier League – which saw him register an average of 2.3 long balls per 90.

Such a number ranked him in the top 4% of all players in the division, which could see him offer a creative edge for Woltemade to reach the heights many expected on Tyneside.

The attacking midfielder also created an impressive tally of 1.7 chances created per 90, which would hand Jaissle the creative spark he’s been hunting for since his arrival.

The Moroccan managed to glide past players with ease during his previous spell in the Premier League, as seen by his 60% dribble success rate in 2024/25.

Like his long ball tally, such a figure placed him at the top end of the rankings, as only 10% of players in his position managed to achieve a better completion rate.

The failures of Woltemade in recent times may cast doubt in the minds of Newcastle supporters, nuts evidnent that El Khannouss is already a class above the German forward.

He may cost a pretty penny at £60m, but such a move would allow the Magpies to land an immediate and long-term attacking option in their hunt for silverware.