Newcastle United are in talks to sign Brentford striker Yoane Wissa as a replacement for Callum Wilson whose expiring contract has just been terminated. The club expect to complete a deal for Wissa within the coming days. They’re looking to shore up their attacking depth. This shift comes after some big changes in the club’s power structure. The recent appointment of an experienced new technical director, former US Men’s National Team coach Earnie Stewart, should accelerate those transfer negotiations.
As bold as their aspirations may be, Newcastle has an uphill battle ahead of them on the transfer market. The club’s financial limitations mean they cannot match the wages offered by many top clubs, which complicates their ability to attract high-profile players. Newcastle’s relative isolation in the North East of England makes it hard to convince some potential signings. This in turn limits the spaces available to them when they think about playing.
Newcastle’s leadership has had to repeatedly calm fears about an imagined “Newcastle tax.” Other clubs have been known to double up transfer fees on Newcastle’s face. They get the idea that the team has infinite money to play with. Newcastle’s earlier £25 million bid for Wissa, rejected just last week, was high even by Premier League standards. The club intends to come back with an improved package of £30 million plus add-ons.
Eddie Howe, head coach of Newcastle United, has already been clear that he wants to continue making wise signings. He reiterated that the club’s priority would be to find players who are ideally suited to their emerging system. Finally, they aren’t looking for really risky bets. This carefully measured move still underscores the perceived need for further restructuring at the local club level. It follows shortly after the news that Paul Mitchell would be departing his position as sporting director.
Mitchell’s departure has understandably cast a shadow of uncertainty over Newcastle’s transfer plans. Howe was understandably annoyed about the timing of this alteration, particularly with the summer transfer window coming to a close quickly. With the news of a lack of a succession plan for Mitch’s eventual exit, there has been understandable worry about how Newcastle will approach their next round of negotiations.
Along with chasing after Wissa, Newcastle have been linked with signing Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. There is the small matter of how badly they want to improve their roster. This need arises with Wilson departed and other moves involving current players yet to happen, presumably.
One player the Toon are determined to keep hold of is hitman Alexander Isak. On his part, the club’s owners are hellbent on retaining Isak for at least one more campaign. They are counting on him to sustain linchpin-like leadership of their furious, two-wave attack. Isak’s performance will be crucial as Newcastle seeks to build on past successes and improve their standing in the league.
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