Newcastle United have now sunk £124m into the transfer market trying to replace Alexander Isak, yet Eddie Howe’s side remain adrift for a reliable striker. The Swedish forward’s £125m exit to Liverpool left a void that the club attempted to fill with two new forwards after Callum Wilson’s departure in the summer window and early season.

Juergen Woltemade arrived for £69m and struck five times in his first six starts, boasting a 23% conversion rate – one of the best among Premier League players with thirty shots. Despite his efficiency, injuries to captain Bruno Guimaraes have seen Howe slot him deeper, limiting his impact in the final third for Newcastle this campaign.

Moussa Wissa was meant to share the burden, but a knee injury on DR Congo duty curtailed his rhythm. He opened with two goals in his outings but has managed only one strike since. Meanwhile, other summer signings such as Malick Thiaw have barely featured, a desperate £55m move that underscores a chaotic recruitment period.

With goal‑scoring still sporadic, Newcastle sit mid‑table, their hefty outlay offering little return. The lack of a natural No.9 forces Howe to reshuffle midfielders like Anthony Gordon into advanced roles, a stop‑gap that risks exposing defensive frailties. As the campaign reaches its second half, the club’s transfer strategy faces intense scrutiny from fans and analysts.