David Ornstein: Newcastle weigh up move for Porto forward in ongoing striker hunt | OneFootball

Newcastle Eye Porto Star Samu Aghehowa as Striker Hunt Continues

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Newcastle United are considering a move for Porto’s prolific young striker, Samu Aghehowa. The 21-year-old is “high among the small number of options” the Magpies are tracking this summer, following several frustrating near-misses in the transfer market.

Newcastle have yet to make a formal approach, and Ornstein stresses there is “no guarantee that the move will happen”, but Aghehowa’s record makes him an attractive target.

Aghehowa’s Rise to Prominence

The Nigerian-born forward, formerly known as Omorodion, enjoyed a sensational debut season at Porto, scoring 27 goals in 45 appearances. His standout moments included a brace against Manchester United in last season’s Europa League group stage, rescuing a 3-3 draw for the Portuguese giants.

Last summer, Chelsea struck a £34.5m agreement with Atletico Madrid for Aghehowa, only for the move to collapse. He subsequently joined Porto for €15m, signing a five-year deal with a €100m release clause.

Newcastle’s Transfer Setbacks

The Magpies’ striker search has been complicated by a series of disappointments. Their €82.5m bid for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko was accepted, but the Slovenian chose Manchester United instead.

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Other targets — including Hugo Ekitike, Bryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Dean Huijsen and James Trafford — have all opted for different destinations. Head coach Eddie Howe acknowledged on Sunday that the club are “not deluded” about their urgent need for reinforcements.

Isak’s Future Adds Extra Tension

Compounding the urgency, Liverpool recently had a £110m bid rejected for Alexander Isak. While the Swede remains on Tyneside for now, Newcastle must be prepared in case their star striker departs before the window closes.

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen are also on the shortlist, though Wolves maintain Larsen is not for sale.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Newcastle fan’s perspective, the link to Samu Aghehowa is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Exciting, because here’s a 21-year-old who’s already proving he can deliver in European competition — and not just against smaller clubs, but by scoring twice against Manchester United. Nerve-wracking, because this feels like another case where Newcastle could be gazumped late in the window.

Supporters will remember the Sesko saga all too well. The concern is that Aghehowa’s €100m release clause might make negotiations difficult, especially with Porto known for driving hard bargains. If Newcastle truly want him, they may need to act decisively — something fans have been desperate to see from the board this summer.

Isak’s situation looms large over everything. Many supporters believe the club cannot afford to sell their top striker without a proven replacement already in place. That’s why a player like Aghehowa, with pace, physicality and a sharp eye for goal, feels like the right profile.

However, fans are realistic. They know the club’s recruitment has been hit-and-miss since the Saudi-led takeover, and while Aghehowa would be a statement signing, the pattern of “considering” players without securing them has become frustrating. The hope is that this time, Newcastle push past interest and actually close the deal.