Newcastle United’s hardest task in the transfer window is resolving their striker situation.
Alexander Isak will lead the line for Newcastle United next season, as he prepares to kick on even further after the best campaign of his career.
The 24-year-old scored 25 goals in all competitions last season, which resulted in Dan Burn calling him ‘world class’.
Now Isak is back with Newcastle for pre-season, where he is working alongside Callum Wilson. The 32-year-old is Newcastle’s other forward, but it is unclear how much longer that will be the case.
Callum Wilson’s Newcastle future is up in the air
Wilson is now in the final year of his Newcastle United contract. At the age of 32, it is up for debate whether he should be offered an extension.
Combine that with his injury woes, and it is understandable why Newcastle are considering selling Wilson.
However, that comes with the caveat that a replacement must arrive. The Magpies cannot have Isak as the sole striker, while Anthony Gordon acting as his understudy is not a viable contingency plan.
Newcastle did try and sign a replacement in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but that deal collapsed last month. Since then, Jonathan David is the only alternative that has been linked.
Newcastle have a striker in their sights
But it would appear that Newcastle are working hard in the background to give Isak the support he needs.
According to iNews, Newcastle are looking at ‘exciting’ targets, one of which is what they describe as an ‘international forward’ who would ‘supplement’ Isak.
That is encouraging, as the striker situation does need to be dealt with.
They could deal with it by just keeping Wilson for another year, but that would only delay finding a solution. It would also limit the likelihood of being able to sell the number nine for a decent fee, which has to be taken into consideration.
Paul Mitchell can show his ruthless side
For sentimental reasons, Newcastle should just stick with Wilson. He is an incredible goalscorer when he is fit, and looks to be in great shape at the start of pre-season. On top of that, the Magpies will play less games next season, which should result in less strain on Wilson’s body.
For business reasons, it is time to evolve. Wilson has been an excellent player in black and white, but it is the optimal time to move him on and replace him.
Eddie Howe has already warned that replacing Wilson will be expensive, but it could cost Newcastle more in the long run if they delay.
The striker situation is one of the key dilemmas that Paul Mitchell must deal with this summer. The sporting director has some difficult decisions to make, and this is an early chance to show he has the ruthlessness that Newcastle need to kick on as a club.
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