Eddie Howe and Newcastle United are desperate for new recruits as work continues behind the scenes
After a summer that can only be described as testing for those of a black and white persuasion, life may be about to get a little tougher for those decision makers inside St James’ Park.
After all, how on earth do you go about trying to replace one of the best strikers in the world football, with a little over a month to go in the window, when some realistic alternatives have already moved?
It must be stressed that Alexander Isak’s exit is not a foregone conclusion. The Newcastle United board do not want to sell the 25-year-old and neither does Eddie Howe.
“We do share a really good relationship with him; he’s been magnificent for us,” Howe said of Isak on Saturday morning, speaking from Singapore.
“He’s very popular in the dressing room. We’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle.”
Let’s park the Isak situation for a second. Even if the Swede stays put, United still have big work to do in the market before its closure next month.
Before the striker’s situation exploded into the news this week, the Magpies were already on the hunt for additional firepower following Callum Wilson’s exit.
Newcastle have switched their attention to a deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa but, as it stands, a price is yet to be agreed. Meanwhile, moves for Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha have all fallen flat.
Enquiries and bids have also been made at the opposite end of the pitch, with exciting goalkeeper and centre-back talent still high on the agenda.
It was a familiar story on that front this week, with Burnley’s James Trafford choosing a move to Manchester City despite long-running interest from Tyneside. Whether Newcastle restart their search for a fresh face in the goalkeeping department remains to be seen.
Howe still has five senior stoppers on the books and has included under-21 talent Max Thompson as part of the club’s trip to Singapore and South Korea this month.
There is still a grand desire to find a long-term partner for Sven Botman as a priority. Scouts have been casting their eye across Europe, taking a close look at Giorgio Scalvini, Edward Tapsoba and Ousmane Diomande on the continent.
To add to the task at hand, Sean Longstaff’s Leeds United switch has opened up a vacant squad space in the middle of the park. Should Alfie Harrison, Travis Hernes or another young gun fail to take their chance this summer, calls will grow for a midfield addition to be drafted in before the summer ends.
A striker to replace Wilson, a shiny new goalkeeping option, a young prospect at centre-back and possibly a new senior midfield addition; All that before even thinking about Isak’s exit. Not an easy task for a football club who are currently without a sporting director.
With only Anthony Elanga through the door this summer, Newcastle need a change in fortune. Howe can only continue to spin miracles for so long.