Newcastle United’s summer has been anything but straightforward.
With the new Premier League campaign just days away, the club are still scrambling to resolve the situation at the top of the pitch.
Star striker Alexander Isak has made it clear he has no intention of reintegrating into the squad, regardless of whether he is sold before the close of the transfer window.
The Swede’s stance follows a drawn-out saga sparked by interest from Liverpool.
The Magpies have made it clear a deal will only happen if they secure a replacement, but time is ticking.
Newcastle’s pursuit of Benjamin Šeško ended in disappointment when the Slovenian opted to join Manchester United, and while Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is also on their radar, he is far from a guaranteed arrival.
Howe’s side are keen to kick on after reinforcing other areas of the squad this summer.
Powerhouse striker on Newcastle’s Radar
Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale have all arrived, while a £40m deal for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is also close.
But for all these moves, one priority towers above the rest: finding a forward capable of leading the line immediately.
That need has now led Newcastle towards a different profile of striker – one whose power, aggression, and direct approach offers a striking contrast to Isak’s elegance and technical artistry.
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Newcastle are expected to submit a bid for FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa, a forward described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “a true monster in the making.”
Porto are understandably reluctant to lose their talisman, particularly so late in the window, but are braced for offers after the 21-year-old’s outstanding season in Portugal.
Since joining from Atlético Madrid last summer in a deal worth around £15 million, Samu has netted 27 goals in 45 games, including 19 in the league and six in the Europa League.
Standing at 1.93m, he blends physicality with pace, making him a constant threat in attack.
Porto are holding firm with a £70m valuation, buoyed by the fact Atlético Madrid hold a 50% sell-on clause, making any sale difficult.
Samu is said to be open to a Premier League move, drawn by the league’s competitiveness and profile, but happy to stay at Porto if no deal materialises.
For Newcastle, though, his mix of power, directness, and ruthless finishing could be exactly what is needed to replace Isak and keep their attacking structure intact.
A contrasting style to Isak
Newcastle’s interest comes with good reason.
According to FBref, Samu ranks in the 75th percentile for non-penalty xG per 90 (0.43), the 86th percentile for total shots (3.10), and a remarkable 96th percentile for pass completion (77.8%).
Expected Goals (xG) is a metric designed to measure the probability of a shot resulting in a goal.
His 5.45 touches in the opposition penalty area per game reflect a striker who lives on the shoulders of defenders, while his high work rate – ranking in the 73rd percentile for interceptions – shows his willingness to press from the front.
While both Isak and Samu are prolific centre-forwards, their playing styles differ significantly.
Isak combines close control and quick footwork to manoeuvre through tight spaces.
He excels in link-up play, often dropping deep to bring teammates into the attack, and shows exceptional composure when finishing with either foot.
His intelligent positioning and subtle movement make him difficult to mark, opening channels for runs in behind from the likes of Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon.
Samu, on the other hand, is a more direct, physically dominant striker.
He thrives on aggression, often backing into defenders to hold up play before spinning into space.
His aerial presence is matched by a powerful burst of acceleration, making him ideal for counter-attacking situations.
Unlike Isak’s more measured style, Samu looks to unsettle defences through constant pressure, using his frame to win duels and his pace to exploit gaps.
In statistical terms, Samu’s higher volume of shots and penalty-box touches suggest a striker who is more frequently the direct end point of attacks, whereas Isak’s strengths lie in creating space for others as well as for himself.
The potential shift from one profile to the other would require tactical adjustments.
Newcastle may become more direct in transition, with a greater emphasis on exploiting Samu’s physicality rather than the intricate build-up play often used to accommodate Isak’s style.
For Eddie Howe, that change could also provide a fresh dimension.
Newcastle’s transfer strategy this summer has already been shaped by necessity.
Missing out on Šeško and facing stiff competition for other targets has narrowed their options, but Samu’s profile stands out.
If Newcastle can push a deal over the line, they won’t just have a like-for-like replacement for Isak, they’ll have a completely different type of threat, one capable of bullying defenders, dominating aerially, and finishing with the same efficiency that has made him one of Europe’s most coveted young strikers.
Whether that change will ultimately strengthen the Magpies’ attack or force an adjustment period remains to be seen – but in the short term, it could be the bold, aggressive step they need to keep their season on track.
