One of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the summer has surrounded Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. The Sweden international seems destined to leave St James’ Park, with Liverpool still pursuing a move despite signing French striker Hugo Ekitike earlier in the window.
The Magpies are also linked with Benjamin Sesko, but a recent report from Craig Hope explains that ‘the feeling inside the club is that he is likely to join’ Manchester United instead. David Ornstein says that he is still a ‘top target’ for the Magpies, although Ruben Amorim’s side are keenly pursuing him.
As the Magpies continue their search for a new striker this summer, a new option has seemingly emerged in the last couple of days.
Newcastle’s striker search
So, it does seem that Isak is set to leave the North East for pastures anew this summer. With Ekitike now a Liverpool player, and Sesko a key target for the Red Devils, the options have certainly been narrowed for the Magpies.
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Well, a report from TEAMtalk suggests that Porto and Spain striker Samu Aghehowa is ‘under consideration’ this summer at St James’ Park. Newcastle have clearly shortlisted a set of striker targets, but the 21-year-old is an ‘option’ for the club.
However, this will not be a cheap deal to do for the Magpies, although selling Isak means that would not be an issue. According to reports in mid-July, Aghehowa could be worth as much as £69m this summer.
That same report suggested that Aston Villa were also interested in signing the player, so Newcastle might face stiff competition from Premier League rivals.
Why Aghehowa would be a good signing
Despite not turning 21 until the start of May, Aghehowa impressed for Portuguese giants Porto. Having impressed in La Liga on loan at Alaves from Atletico Madrid the season before, he continued such form for Dragoes.
In 45 games across all competitions, Aghehowa scored an impressive 27 goals, grabbing three assists in that time, too. His record in the Portuguese top flight stood out, with the striker bagging 19 goals in 30 appearances.
The Spain international, who came through the academy at Granada, has also impressed in Europe. He bagged six goals in nine Europa League games last term, including two against Man United, then managed by Erik ten Hag, in a 3-3 draw.
Indeed, if the Magpies are to sign the 21-year-old this summer, Aghehowa could become their own Viktor Gyokeres. The Sweden striker, who recently signed for Arsenal, also impressed in the Portuguese top flight over the past couple of seasons.
The 27-year-old, who will take the number 14 shirt at the Emirates Stadium, bagged 68 goals in just 66 games in the Liga Portugal. Whilst his 39 league goals in 2024/25 eclipsed Aghehowa’s tally from last term, it is worth remembering that he is six years his senior.
With that being said, scoring 19 league goals is still an incredibly prolific return for the youngster. The Magpies will surely hope that, over time, he can grow into a similar player and is already showing signs of being a clinical number nine. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig said he is a “monster in the making”, which is certainly positive for the Magpies.
On top of that, the striker’s numbers from last season in the Portuguese first division stand out. As per Sofascore, he averaged 0.8 goals each game and was a threat in the air, too, winning 1.9 aerial duels per 90 minutes. In contrast, the new Arsenal number nine scored 1.3 goals and won 1.2 aerial duels each game, according to Sofascore.
Goals
0.8
1.3
Shots on target
1.4
2.6
Big chances created
0.2
0.4
Aerial duels won
1.9
1.2
Expected goal involvements
0.65xGI
1.21xGI
Newcastle will have the money to spend on a new number nine this summer, and Aghehowa could be the dream acquisition. The Magpies will hope he can become their own version of Gyokeres, after showing how clinical he can be in the Portuguese top flight.
£69m is no doubt a costly signing, but the Spaniard could help solve their issues up front and become a key player for Howe’s side.
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