Newcastle in talks to sign ‘one of the best in the world’

The summer transfer window was huge for Newcastle United, but for the wrong reasons, as Alexander Isak dug in his heels and was forced to leave the club.

The Swede, who scored 27 goals in all competitions last season, refused to even train and put in a transfer request from St James’ Park.

Such a move saw a lot of criticism directed the 26-year-old’s way, but he would eventually get his wish and secure a £125m transfer to Premier League rivals Liverpool.

As a result, there was a lot of focus on the management to try to replace Isak’s intentions to avoid a major drop in the league competitions during the 2025/26 campaign.

However, the board’s failure to replace the talisman has been evident in their current position in 13th place, something Eddie Howe will be looking to rectify next term.

Newcastle are entering talks to sign Europe’s best talisman

In the past few days, Newcastle has become one of the clubs that entered into negotiations with the Portuguese club Sporting CP regarding the search for striker Luis Suárez.

The Colombian has stepped up to the next level in 2025/26, after scoring 36 goals in 51 games after arriving from Almeria last summer.

Any deal would be one of the biggest for the Magpies this window, with his current employers demanding £52m for his signature.

Suarez is not the only player currently in the management’s sights ahead of the summer window, with Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović being considered as another option.

According to Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, Howe’s side have already entered into discussions with the player’s representatives regarding the possibility of a transfer to Tyneside during the summer window.

The report says that the player from Serbia is out of contract at the end of the season and could leave for free if no new contract is agreed between the player and the club.

Premier League side Chelsea are said to be interested in signing the 26-year-old, but no indication has been given of the player’s preferred destination.

Why Vlahovic’s departure would be bad news for Woltemade

In an attempt to soften the blow of Isak’s departure, Newcastle’s management have spent an estimated £69m on the signing of German talisman Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart.

After scoring 17 goals in 33 games last season, while also playing at the U21 Euros, such a move for the 24-year-old was seen as shrewd business.

However, it could be said that the 2025/26 campaign was one to forget for the striker, who only managed to find the net seven times in the Premier League.

In recent months, Woltemade has also been used between the box and the 10th role as Howe tries to get the best out of the club’s record signing.

There is no doubt that he has failed to emulate the levels produced by Isak on Tyneside, which could see the club re-enter the transfer market this summer.

So, a Vlahovic deal could be a possibility for the Magpies, with Howe’s side potentially landing a top talent in their search for a new talisman.

The Serbian may have scored just 10 goals in 24 games this season, but he has a proven pedigree of consistently producing goods.

He achieved double figures in the last seven seasons at Juventus and Fiorentina, after which he joined the former two clubs for a staggering £66m back in January 2022.

Such quality has led Italy legend Luca Toni to call Vlahovic “one of the best strikers in the world” – highlighting the quality of player the Magpies could land on a free transfer.

His basic stats this campaign also reflect his overall quality in attacking areas – such a move undoubtedly pushes Woltemade down.

The 26-year-old has registered 1.7 shots on target per 90 in Serie A this campaign – as he ranks in the top 5% of all strikers in the division.

His 7.3 rating in the opposition box per 90 shows his fox-in-the-box nature, but also puts him in the top 10% of players in Europe this season.

Both of the aforementioned figures are higher than those produced by Woltemade, and Vlahovic is arguably the most clinical and dangerous option in front of goal.

His 2.4 aerials per 90 makes him a man to watch, and Howe’s side can count on the Serbian international if they need to get their side out of trouble.

It’s rare for a player of Vlahovic’s caliber to be available on a free transfer, but it’s imperative the Magpies work hard this summer to avoid missing out on his signature.

Woltemade may feel difficult to make any transfers this summer, but ultimately, the industry is shrinking and the board needs to pull out everything possible to secure a return to Europe next season.