Newcastle eye Porto forward to boost attacking options | OneFootball

Newcastle’s Striker Hunt Focuses on Porto’s Samu Aghehowa

Newcastle United’s search for attacking reinforcements has taken them to Portugal, where Porto’s prolific forward Samu Aghehowa is firmly on their radar. The 21-year-old, who netted 27 goals in 45 appearances last season, has emerged as one of a small pool of potential summer recruits as Eddie Howe looks to address a shortage of firepower.

The Athletic reports that while no formal approach has been made, Aghehowa is “a player liked by Newcastle”. The striker, previously known as Samu Omorodion, is no stranger to the Premier League rumour mill, having almost joined Chelsea last summer before a £34.5 million move from Atletico Madrid collapsed. Porto swooped in, sealing a €15 million deal and tying him down to a five-year contract with a €100 million release clause running until 2029.

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen are also thought to be under consideration, though Wolves have made it clear that Strand Larsen is not for sale.

A Name and Career to Remember

Aghehowa’s rise has been rapid, but so too has his journey off the pitch. In mid-November, after an explosive start at Porto, he announced a change from his father’s surname to honour his mother, Edith Aghehowa.

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“I changed my surname because my mother gave us life and risked her life to raise us,” he told El Periodico. “She gave everything so that my sister and I could have the best life possible. She deserved to be known by her surname. She deserves everything and I hope to do great things so that her name is known.”

Those “great things” have already begun. The Spaniard has produced goals in every manner — clinical breakaway finishes, deft headers, back-post tap-ins and even an overhead kick. His brace against Manchester United in a Europa League thriller last season was a statement of his big-game temperament.

Newcastle’s Striker Situation

This pursuit comes at a pivotal time for Newcastle. Their failed chase of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, despite an €82.5m (£71.5m) bid plus €2.5m in add-ons being accepted, has left the Magpies scrambling. Sesko chose Manchester United instead, with Leipzig agreeing a €76.5m deal plus €8.5m in add-ons.

The uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future is adding urgency. Liverpool’s £110m offer for the Swede was rejected, but interest is expected to continue. Howe underlined the pressing need for additions when he said Newcastle are “not deluded” and understand “the urgent need for transfer reinforcements ahead of the new season”.

The list of missed opportunities is long. Hugo Ekitike has joined Liverpool, Bryan Mbeumo has moved to Manchester United, Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have signed for Chelsea, Dean Huijsen has gone to Real Madrid and James Trafford has joined Manchester City.

Why Aghehowa Fits the Bill

Standing at 6ft 4in, Aghehowa combines raw power with surprising acceleration. He holds off defenders, spins into space and has the awareness to link play effectively. His knack for attacking crosses and making penetrative runs behind the defensive line aligns with the demands of a modern No 9.

Porto have already moved to bolster their attack with Luuk de Jong from PSV, a factor which could influence their willingness to negotiate, though the €100m release clause is a significant barrier. Given Porto’s distant third-place finish in the Primeira Liga last season, they may be reluctant to lose one of their brightest sparks, but a substantial offer could change the landscape.

The Athletic’s analysis points to his maturity beyond his years and his adaptability in different attacking scenarios. While his name has changed, his scoring instincts remain the same. As the report concludes, “the new one might be worth remembering.”

For Newcastle, this could be the kind of ambitious signing that reinvigorates their forward line, especially with so many high-profile targets slipping away.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Newcastle fan perspective, this report will trigger a mixture of excitement and anxiety. On one hand, Samu Aghehowa sounds like the kind of player who could transform the Magpies’ attack. Twenty-seven goals in a debut season at Porto is no small feat, and the fact he has already punished Manchester United twice in European competition shows he can perform on the big stage. At 21, he has time to grow, and with Eddie Howe’s coaching, the potential could be frightening.

However, the €100m release clause looms large. Newcastle have already missed out on several key targets this summer, and after the Benjamin Sesko saga, supporters will be wary of getting their hopes up again. The competition for elite strikers is intense, and with Isak’s future still uncertain, fans will want decisive action rather than another drawn-out chase.

The personal story behind Aghehowa’s name change adds an emotional layer that could endear him to the St James’ Park faithful. Newcastle have long valued players with personality and passion for the shirt, and his dedication to honouring his mother hints at strong character.

Ultimately, the fanbase will be watching closely. If this move happens, it will signal ambition. If it falls apart like previous pursuits, the frustration could boil over.