This would prove to be a major departure from Newcastle United transfer policy | OneFootball

Is this the point when we will see a major departure from the Newcastle United transfer policy?

The Mail report that after Joao Pedro chose to join Chelsea rather than Newcastle United, that two other strikers have been discussed inside St James’ Park.

The two names according to The Mail’s information, are Ollie Watkins and Yoane Wissa.

Eddie Howe clearly looking now to have decided that with Callum Wilson no longer as back up, another striker is a top priority, to back up and complement Alexander Isak.

Earlier today we reported on The Telegraph saying that they understood that 23 year old Hugo Ekitike, a long-term Eddie Howe target, was once again of active interest. However, they also added that to have any chance of landing Ekitike, United would have to be prepared his £86m release clause figure.

With other positions needing to be strengthened in the squad and £55m already committed to signing Anthony Elanga, to spend so much on another striker would likely impact on that strengthening of the squad elsewhere.

Neither Yoane Wissa nor Ollie Watkins would come cheap, however, still considerably less than Hugo Ekitike.

They would both of course also give proven Premier League experience and goals.

In the Premier League last season, Ollie Watkins managed 24 direct goal involvements, scoring 16 and getting eight assists. For Yoane Wissa it was 23 PL direct goal involvements, scoring 19 and four assists.

This though is where it would be a major departure from the Newcastle United transfer policy, if either of the two strikers are signed.

Since the relegation saving transfer window of January 2022, all of the following windows haven’t seen a transfer fee paid for a single outfield player over the age of 25. Indeed, apart from a 25 year old Harvey Barnes signed in summer 2023, not a single outfield player over the age of 23 has seen a transfer fee paid by NUFC.

Yoane Wissa will turn 29 in September and Ollie Watkins 30 in December.

It would certainly be an interesting move if indeed Eddie Howe and Newcastle United made a bid to sign either striker. United would be getting a very credible striker and goalscorer in either case if successful, however, it would be an instantly depreciating asset in either case. The value of either forward would be guaranteed to decrease once signed, due to the age factor.

Both Watkins and Wissa are mobile and versatile, each could play alongside Alexander Isak as well as deputise for him.

Whether it is Wissa, Watkins or maybe another player, maybe this summer we will see the Newcastle United transfer remain intact BUT with the odd exception to the rule. Still looking to predominantly sign players aged 23 or under, but at the same time, prepared as well to make pragmatic signings of the odd older player if it is felt essential.

One thing for sure, after a trophy and second Champions League qualification in three years, plus the departure of Paul Mitchell, surely Eddie Howe has never been in a stronger position when it comes to trying to get the signings into the squad that he feels are essential ahead of such a massive and challenging season to come.