Newcastle United’s need for a striker before next Monday’s transfer deadline has never been clearer.
With Alexander Isak still on strike and surely out of action when the Toon visit Leeds United next week, regardless of the outcome of his present situation, it was inconceivable that Anthony Gordon should get himself sent off against Liverpool at St. James’ Park.
The Magpies lost to Liverpool on Tyneside, but it was an incredible contest that showcased all the good of Eddie Howe’s side, even when so much went wrong.
But, even so, the desperate need for a number nine was accentuated, and a bid continues for Premier League forward Jørgen Strand Larsen.
The latest on Strand Larsen to Newcastle
Whether Liverpool sign Isak at some point this week is anyone’s guess, but Newcastle’s bid to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers’ rangy frontman remains a priority focus regardless.
The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope corroborated news on Monday that the Magpies saw a £50m offer rejected for the Norwegian, and they are expected to return with an improved bid.
Hope made it clear that Larsen is being chased with a view toward him succeeding Callum Wilson, who left Tyneside at the end of his contract in June and has since signed for West Ham United.
Strand Larsen scored 14 Premier League goals last season, playing an instrumental role for the Old Gold as they staved off the threat of relegation.
But whether he’s the right frontman for Newcastle, for a figure sure to be in excess of £50m, is another question. Especially when there’s a younger and more exciting name on United’s shortlist.
Newcastle discuss move for Strand Larsen alternative
As per The Athletic, Newcastle have discussed a move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos as the transfer window is reduced to less than a week before closure.
Ramos, 24, has struggled to nail down a regular starting berth in Luis Enrique’s super-team, but he’s still showcased his quality across the past two years, and was tracked by the Tynesiders during his Benfica days.
PSG appear open to selling, but the Portugal international wouldn’t come cheap. It’s been mooted this month that Ramos would fetch a fee in the region of £55m.
What Ramos would bring to Newcastle
Ramos has started the 2025/26 season strongly, bagging against Tottenham Hotspur in the dramatic Super Cup victory earlier this month before starting PSG’s Ligue 1 opener against Nantes.
Newcastle’s need for a new number nine borders on desperation, but they won’t let themselves be fleeced. Having seen a £50m offer rejected for Strand Larsen, might it be better to instead invest the set-aside funds in Ramos, whose dynamic profile aligns more with what Howe would need if Isak is to leave St. James’ Park this week.
Hailed for his “outrageous” performances on the international stage by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ramos is a prolific striker, and no mistake. His clinical value in dangerous positions could admittedly do with some work, but he creates space regularly through expert usage of his mobility and physical attributes, and thus maintains a steady goalscoring flow.
25/26 – PSG
3
1
0
24/25 – PSG
46
19
6
23/24 – PSG
40
14
2
22/23 – Benfica
47
27
8
21/22 – Benfica
46
8
4
20/21 – Benfica
12
4
0
19/20 – Benfica
1
2
0
And, according to data platform FBref, the Iberian striker ranks among the top 5% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues for goals scored,
While Strand Larsen has provided proof of his ability to score goals and perform convincingly in the Premier League, whereas Ramos has not, the latter man has highlighted performances at the highest level, including (but not limited to) that hat-trick at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
14 goals were scored by the 25-year-old in last year’s Premier League edition, but he also completed only 65% of his passes, lost 68% of his duels and averaged just 0.2 dribbles per game, as per Sofascore.
There’s nothing wrong with that; Strand Larsen is a powerful target man, after all. But it’s inconceivable that he should replace Isak, one of the most complete strikers in the business.
Of course, Newcastle chiefs have maintained that their interest in the Scandinavian is linked to Wilson’s departure, and not Isak’s possible exit.
Ultimately, Newcastle could do with two strikers, should Isak leave. Efforts are maintained for Brentford marksman Yoane Wissa, but that’s why Ramos’ profile could be so important for the Tynesiders, injecting dynamic athleticism without detracting from goalscoring, that core tenet of the striker’s game.
Wissa, like Strand Larsen, is limited in terms of technical scope, but he’s still proven himself to be a deadly Premier League striker with impressive link-up play besides. Given that the 28-year-old would ostensibly come at a cheaper price than his Wolves positional peer, he should be the priority.
And, in that case, Ramos must be targeted over a second bid for Strand Larsen, with the Portuguese man sure to bring goals and an electric presence too.
After the past few months of misery on the transfer front, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether Newcastle manage to sign a striker worth their salt – let alone two.
But it’s clear who they should move for after the latest series of rejected bids. Don’t blink: Newcastle are bound to ramp up the gas and seal a signature before the end of the month.
He's like Isak: Newcastle make late approach to sign £61m Wissa alternative
Newcastle continue to search for strikers as the summer transfer window enters the final week.
1 ByAngus Sinclair