It is absolutely vital that Newcastle United sign a striker in 2025.
The Magpies need better cover for Alexander Isak, while Callum Wilson could leave Newcastle United when his contract expires at the end of the season.
It is going to be a summer of change at St James’ Park, with Paul Mitchell identifying three positions that Newcastle must target. They are centre-back, right wing and up front.
Toon officials have been doing the groundwork on targets, but one option appears set to head elsewhere.
Major Jonathan David transfer update
The player in question is Jonathan David, who has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United this summer. His Lille contract is due to expire, which means he will be available on a free transfer.
Newcastle have scouted David, and they will have witnessed an exceptional forward who has scored for fun in Ligue 1.
Geordie Boot Boys were told in September 2024 that Newcastle had spoken to David’s representatives about what it would take to do a deal, but a move to Tyneside is suddenly less likely than ever.
That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has told Geordie Boot Boys that Barcelona have stepped up their interest in David.
“He’s in advanced talks with Barcelona, I’m told,” he said.
“This is different to Alexander Isak being linked with Barcelona. Jonathan David would go there to compete with Robert Lewandowski, with a view to taking over.
“He’s said Barcelona are his dream club.
“Every major club in Europe has spoken to David and looked at a deal, but I’m told that a move to Barcelona is advanced.”
The other free agent striker who Newcastle United could target this summer
Given David’s contract situation, it is no surprise that Newcastle United were interested in David.
However, the Canada international never felt like a probable arrival due to Alexander Isak’s presence at St James’ Park. Whoever arrives at Newcastle United is going to be Isak’s understudy, which is not going to appeal to a player who has Europe’s best clubs chasing his signature.
The Magpies will look elsewhere, and there is another potential free transfer that could be appealing.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is on course to become a free agent, and is a long-term target for Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe is a big fan of Calvert-Lewin, and he is much more suited to being a squad player at St James’ Park compared to someone like David.
While it might not be a popular deal, it could prove to be a smart bit of business. Getting Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer would free up more funds to be spent elsewhere, as Mitchell prepares to overhaul the Newcastle United squad.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
