Newcastle United may regret not splashing the cash on one striker who was a top target in 2024.
The Magpies are lucky enough to have one of the world’s best strikers in his prime at the moment in the shape of Alexander Isak.
Isak is a “world class” talent according to Alan Shearer, and at 25 years old he still has his best years ahead of him.
Eddie Howe would not swap Isak for anyone in world football, but the Newcastle United boss may be slightly wary about the lack of depth up top.
Callum Wilson scored on his return from injury against Birmingham City, but he is out of contract in the summer. Behind him, William Osula is the only other striker option available to Howe.
Before Osula arrived for £10m this summer, Newcastle were in the market for a new centre-forward, and their search led them to Serhou Guirassy.
Newcastle United almost signed Serhou Guirassy
Newcastle’s interest in Guirassy dates back to 2023, when the Guinea international was enjoying an incredible run of form with VfB Stuttgart.
Reports claimed Newcastle were offered Guirassy and he was available for as little as £15m due to a release clause in his Stuttgart contract.
As time ticked on, Guirassy proved his form was not just a purple patch. He ended the 2023/24 season with 30 goals in 30 games.
Guirassy’s incredible record in front of goal ended up attracting other clubs with Manchester United and Bayern Munich interested in Guirassy throughout 2024.
Eventually, though, Newcastle missed out on a deal and Guirassy signed for Borussia Dortmund for £15m this summer. He has not looked back since.
Serhou Guirassy is flying in the Champions League
Newcastle are targeting a return to the Champions League this season, with Howe’s side currently sixth in the Premier League table. A fifth-placed finish should be enough to secure qualification.
Guirassy’s move to Dortmund means he was set to play Champions League football for just the second time in his career. After scoring twice in four games for Stuttgart in the Champions League, his record at Dortmund is even better.
In eight Champions League games this season, Guirassy has scored nine goals, making him the competition’s top scorer.
READ MORE: Whether Alexander Isak will take Newcastle United’s number nine shirt if Callum Wilson leaves
Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski is tied with nine goals, but as Guirassy has more assists he sits at the top of the pile.
Guirassy has scored a total of 18 goals across all competitions, putting him just one behind Isak with one less game played.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
