Newcastle United have needed a new midfielder all month, but it looks like they are going to roll the dice and go without. However, they might not be able to take the same risk when it comes to a striker.
On a good day, Newcastle have two exceptional centre forwards – Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson. However, they both have their injury issues.
Callum Wilson is currently out of action and has missed Newcastle’s last five games, and it is unclear when he will be back.
His absence has not been an issue, with Alexander Isak playing brilliantly during his teammate’s absence. He has took his goal tally to the season to 14, making him Newcastle’s leading scorer.
However, now there is an issue.
Alexander Isak could be injured
Isak started up front for Newcastle against Aston Vila, but did not finish the game. In fact, he did not finish the first half.
The 24-year-old was forced off shortly before half time with a groin problem, although Eddie Howe is hopeful that it is not too serious.
Whether or not that is the case remains to be seen, and Toon fans will not be too optimistic given the Magpies’ injury record this season.
And if Isak is set for a spell on the sidelines, that means that Newcastle will have no senior strikers available.
That could force Howe to turn to the academy or ask Anthony Gordon to play through the middle – or he could dip into the transfer market on the final day of the window.
And if he does decide to do that, a player from Newcastle’s past is very much available.
Former Newcastle target Hugo Ekitike is available
Two years ago, Hugo Ekitike rejected Newcastle for the first time.
A few months later and it became two rejections for the Magpies. Howe’s side had a deal in place to sign the Frenchman in the summer of 2022, but could not agree personal terms.
Newcastle walked away from the deal, allowing Paris Saint-Germain to swoop in and sign a player who Howe later admitted is ‘very talented‘.
However, he has struggled to showcase that talent at PSG. He has barely featured since his move, and has been relentlessly linked with a move away.
And those rumours are continuing this month following an update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. He has stated on X that PSG want Ekitike to leave them on loan before the transfer window closes.
Now Newcastle have been stung by the 21-year-old before, but they clearly think he is a very talented footballer. That is why they tried so hard to sign him in 2022.
Howe’s side have thrived without him, while Ekitike must regret his decision to choose PSG over Newcastle.
Now both parties could need each other, but only if Alexander Isak is set for a spell on the sidelines. And even then, it is hard to envision Newcastle moving for Ekitike on deadline day.
But if they do decide they need a striker, he is very much available.
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