The Athletic are reporting this morning that Eddie Howe is focussed on bringing in a New Striker to bolster the Toons lacklustre attacking options.
“Ultimately, we need to score more goals. That’s very clear.”
It is rare for Eddie Howe to publicly divulge transfer plans but, by April, even the usually guarded head coach could not avoid disclosing what Newcastle United’s priority would be this summer.
In 27 Premier League matches under Howe, Newcastle have scored 32 goals — less than 1.2 per game — from an expected goal (xG) return of 33.7. Since Howe arrived in November, no player has scored more than Bruno Guimaraes, who has confounded expectations in terms of his finishing prowess by contributing five goals.
The hunt is on for a more prolific finishing specialist and there are many names floating around and one of these suitor could definitely fit the bill.
Alongside a right-winger, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby a key target, and Leeds United’s Jack Harrison and Everton’s Anthony Gordon also admired, acquiring a forward to rival Wood in providing back-up to Wilson is deemed essential. In April, Newcastle were considering signing another out-and-out No 9, but early enquiries for Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brentford’s Ivan Toney raised figures north of £50 million.
Armando Broja is understood to be of interest, with Newcastle having asked Chelsea if they can be kept informed of their plans for the Albanian.
With the season fast approaching and the search still going on for a forward and also the elusive Right winger, the toons attacking options are still limited. We are all still hoping and praying the check book remains open, Perhaps if Ekitike, Isak et al do prove unattainable, one of these may offer a solution to Newcastle’s offensive shortcomings…
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