Newcastle United target new striker despite recent £125m investment
Newcastle United plan to sign a new striker in the upcoming summer transfer window despite spending £125m on forwards Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade last year.
Manager Eddie Howe was forced to overhaul his attacking options after the £130m departure of star striker Alexander Isak.
The Magpies subsequently recruited Wissa and Woltemade, but both players have experienced mixed fortunes during their debut campaign on Tyneside.
According to recent reports, the North East outfit will now re-enter the market for a traditional centre-forward at the end of the season.
Mixed fortunes for recent arrivals
The club’s hierarchy anticipates that both current forwards will remain at St James’ Park for the next campaign.
Wissa’s progress was severely hampered by a knee problem that kept the DR Congo international sidelined for the first half of the season.
Meanwhile, Woltemade initially impressed in front of goal before frequently being redeployed into a midfield role in recent weeks.
Coaching staff reportedly intend to restore the versatile forward to a central attacking position next season.
Howe backs attacking duo
The club are also understood to be evaluating the market for a new goalkeeper to further reinforce their defensive ranks.
Despite the impending search for reinforcements, the Newcastle boss remains publicly supportive of his current attacking contingent.
Speaking prior to a recent Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland, Howe explained why he expects both players to prove crucial in the closing stages of the season.
“Every player wants to play the biggest games.”
“Nick has had a lot of football this year. I thought he played really well against Chelsea.”
“They’re in different circumstances. I wouldn’t put them together. Yoane has had a big injury and I’ve said many times here I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet.”
