After years of consistency and success at Newcastle United, the summer has presented a period of change – undoubtedly bringing a sense of uncertainty into the fanbase.
From the management team to the senior members of the first-team, countless key personnel have moved on to pastures new ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
New boss Matthias Jaissle has a huge task on his hands to try and implement the feel-good factor back into the fanbase at St James’ Park in the months ahead.
However, if he is to be a success during his maiden year on Tyneside, it’s crucial the hierarchy backs him to land a player in one vital area of the Magpies squad.
Why Jaissle needs his own Isak at Newcastle
The centre-forward position has become such a tricky role to fill at Newcastle in recent seasons – especially after the impact of Alexander Isak on Tyneside.
The Swede, who cost around £65m in 2022, exceeded all expectations throughout his time in the North East, subsequently netting 62 goals in his 106 appearances for the Magpies.
However, his controversial departure during last summer’s window has somewhat tarnished his reputation – but there’s little denying the fanbase would love a player of his calibre right now.
Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade were the two players to arrive in the place of the £125m, but their combined tally of nine league goals last term showcases the club’s need for added reinforcements.
|
PL goals scored by Newcastle forwards (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Tally |
|
Nick Woltemade |
8 |
|
Harvey Barnes |
7 |
|
Will Osula |
7 |
|
Anthony Gordon |
6 |
|
Jacob Murphy |
3 |
|
Yoane Wissa |
1 |
|
Anthony Elanga |
0 |
The former has been touted with moves away from Tyneside, whilst the latter was even utilised in a deeper role to try and get the best out of last summer’s addition.
Losing Anthony Gordon and last term’s top scorer Bruno Guimaraes will only increase the woes for Jaissle in attacking areas – with the German only winning one of his four pre-season outings.
However, with just a couple of weeks left in the transfer window, the hierarchy will have to work rapidly if they are to secure added attacking reinforcements.
How Jaissle can land his own Isak at Newcastle
Despite already spending upwards of £120m, further additions are expected at Newcastle to aid Jaissle during his maiden campaign in the Premier League.
Christian Kofane has been mentioned as one target, but the Bayer Leverkusen talisman could well prove to be out of the club’s price range between now and the end of the window.
He’s not the only attacker currently in the hierarchy’s sights, with AC Milan forward Christopher Nkunku another option under huge consideration.
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie spoke about the possible deal on his YouTube channel and stated: “He’s been mentioned a few times, the AC Milan forward – I think he will be a good signing.
“Jaissle will know him and he will probably be keen on him if he got the opportunity. My information there is that Newcastle have been offered him – but he has been offered to Newcastle and a number of clubs.”
His failed Chelsea spell will be at the forefront of the Magpies supporters, and understandably so, but the 28-year-old is a player who still has bags of quality in his locker, now valued at £30m.
The Frenchman’s spell at RB Leipzig is a prime example of his talent, as Nkunku scored 70 times in his 172 outings for the Bundesliga side over a four-year period.
His since moved to AC Milan, with the 2025/26 season handing the forward the platform to get his career back on track – subsequently producing some impressive figures in the final third.
Nkunku netted eight goals across all competitions last campaign, whilst also achieving a 55% shot-on-target rate – with the latter placing him in the top 10% of forwards in the division.
Such a figure showcases his ability to star in the final third, with his subsequent tally allowing him to emulate the success of Isak upon any move to Newcastle.
The former Chelsea star also managed to complete 88% of the passes he attempted, whilst winning 44% of his aerial battles – showcasing his ability to feature as a focal point at the top end of the pitch.
However, he’s also able to drop deep or even run in behind the backline, with such quality similar to that of the Swedish international during his own time on Tyneside.
His subsequent performances in recent years haven’t gone under the radar, with journalist Matteo Bonetti dubbing the forward “world-class” after a display in 2025/26.
It’s unclear how much a deal for Nkunku could cost this summer, but he’s showcased over a sustained period that he’s more than capable of delivering the goods in front of goal.
Such goalscoring records and playstyles could see him emulate Isak in being a hit with the supporters and helping Jaissle have a respectable first season at the helm.
