With the future of Alexander Isaac still unsolved, Newcastle United prepares for life without a Swedish amulet.
The threw out Saga left Eddie Howe in urgent need for an emergency solution, and Isaac revealed that he would not reintegrate with the team if the movement was unable to materialize before the movement window closes.
This leaves Newcastle facing competition from time. In particular, there is a Premier League opening against Aston Villa, where Aston Villa is fast approaching, and the Champions League campaign on the horizon.
Their summer business has so far strengthened other regions – Anthony Elanga has been lending it from Nottingham Forest by AC Milan’s Malicktier and Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale, but a £40 million deal with Aston Villa midfielder Jacobramsey is approaching.
But Howe has acknowledged concerns about midfield numbers after Sean Longstaff sold to preseason injuries to Leeds United and Joe Wilk, and the need for a frontal commander is now equally pressed.
Boom Boom Shake Room: Newcastle Identifies New Major Targets
Alternative options such as Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Porto’s Sam Agehau have been debated, but Newcastle seems to have settled down to one outstanding name.
The forward, whose profile brings out an inevitable comparison with one of the club’s most popular modern strikers.
According to a report on the continent, Newcastle has identified Jamphilippe Mateta as their top target if Isaac departs.
This interest and rising stocks of Mateta have set a asking price of around £40 million to let go of the “target-gaining machine.”
Standing at 1.92m, the 28-year-old French International offers an ideal physical profile for the Premier League.
He arrives at the box with purpose, enjoys a duel in the air, and is able to capture the defenders in a way that opens up space for those around him.
His record last season – 14 goals and two assists in 37 Premier League appearances – reflecting his consistency throughout the campaign, with a sharp finish complemented by link-up plays.
For Newcastle, the combination of goals, presence and experience at the top level makes him an instant adaptable striker – important for those who can’t afford bedding that is close to the start of the season.
Solomon London colours
In a similar situation as in 2018, it is impossible to discuss the possibility of the arrival of Mateta, similar to Salomon London, which was rented out from West Brom and arrived at St. James’ Park in 2018.
Like Mateta, London was a big, powerful centre-forward, leading the line with a mix of power, tenacity and underrated technical capabilities.
Premier League Mateta vs London | ||
|---|---|---|
statistics | I’m crazy | London |
exterior | 130 | 167 |
the goal | 38 | 36 |
assist | 9 | 15 |
Source: FBREF | ||
London’s lonely season under Rafa Benítez is one of the campaigns that has been best remembered by Newcastle fans in recent years.
He scored 11 goals in 32 league appearances, earning 146 of 380 air duels, making him a constant outlet for long balls and crosses.
His hold-up play took others into the game, and his partnership with Ayoze Pérez was the driving force behind Newcastle’s survival.
A threat from the set piece and a defensive presence when called creates a clearance of 38 from such a situation.
His creative contributions were also notable, recording six assists and often providing the final ball after holding back multiple defenders.
That all-around influence led him to be named Newcastle Player of the Year in 2019. This is the first forward since Alan Shearer in 2003.
Mateta offers a similar skill set.
According to FBREF, he ranks in the 72nd percentile of progressive carry per 90 (1.53), the 77th percentile of non-comprehensive forecast targets per shot (0.18) and the 68th percentile of passes (1.16).
Perhaps most impressively, he sits in the 94th percentile for a successful take-on that leads directly to his goal (0.10 per 90).
London flourished with Benitez’s structured approach, but Mateta was able to benefit from Hau’s faster and more transitional style.
Using his frame, he gains high pitch and mobility to reach the end of cutbacks such as Gordon and Elanga.
The timing is another echo of 2018. At the time, Newcastle needed ready-made fronts and delivered instantly.
Now, as Isaac has come to appear to be determined to dig into his heels and dig into the seasons, the requirements are just as urgent.
Mateta’s experience in the Premier League means that strikers arriving from overseas can often avoid the required period of adaptation.
At £40 million, he is a big investment, but he can instantly pay dividends to his goals and physical presence.
For clubs looking to compete in multiple ways, having a striker capable of carrying the offensive burden can make all the difference.
If Howe wins his man, Newcastle supporters may once again find themselves cheering for No. 9, where the fusion of goal and graft embodies the club’s fighting spirit.
