Premier League Preview: Newcastle United | OneFootball

Transfer News

Alexander Isak has been dominating this window’s narrative, but that didn’t stop the Magpies from snatching fellow Swede Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest early in July. This was a shrewd acquisition, even with the $74M price tag. Elanga is a pacey winger who contributed 6g/11a last season. In goal, they plucked Aaron Ramsdale from relegated Southampton on a one-year loan.

So let’s get to the Isak saga. Liverpool are keen, but have had two offers rejected already, including one for $147M. Newcastle’s recalcitrance is understandable, as the striker contributed to 42.3% of the team’s goals last season. Tensions have escalated with the Swede. He formally submitted a transfer request, and has been ordered to train separately from the rest of the squad.

Now let’s get to even worse news. At this moment, it appears that Newcastle is simply not a place players WANT to go. Just look at this list that have snubbed their offers:

Financially, Newcastle are inside their PSR threshold for the 25-26 season, and if they get their desired $180M+ for Isak that would loosen the purse strings. So many strikers are already off the market, but there have been rumors of talks with Yoanne Wissa (Brentford) and Nicholas Jackson (Chelsea) to fill Isak’s shoes in the event they sell.

Season Outlook

It’s gonna be rough. Eddie Howe might confidently profess title aspirations, but with the extra load of Champions League and little to no recruitment to improve squad depth they are one or two injuries away from a crisis. I have them sitting (generously, I may add) in eighth place after five games. The glow of winning their first trophy in 70 years is waning quickly, and anything less than another top five finish and deep run on the continent will bode poorly for Howe.

Key Players

Outside of Elanga and possibly Isak, the starting team should remain identical to last year’s squad.