---
title: "Newcastle: PIF could surprise fans with ‘off-the-radar’ striker signing"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-transfer-news-latest-striker-rumours-callum-wilson-chris-wood/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Will Seager"
section: "Newcastle United News"
published: "2022-07-21T18:10:37Z"
modified: "2022-07-21T18:10:37Z"
---

# Newcastle: PIF could surprise fans with ‘off-the-radar’ striker signing

**[Newcastle United](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-news/) could make a surprise signing at striker this summer, claims reliable journalist Mark Douglas.**

### **The Lowdown: Magpies’ striker pursuit**

The Toon have been linked with a myriad of strikers this window with Eddie Howe looking to strengthen his side’s depth in the final third.

Newcastle were of course eyeing a move for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike, with a [£33m agreement](https://www.teamtalk.com/newcastle-united/hugo-ekitike-close-transfer-agreement-reached) even in place at one stage. However, after protracted negotiations, the North-East outfit [pulled out of the deal](https://www.90min.com/posts/newcastle-united-pull-out-of-hugo-ekitike-deal), with the player ending up on a season-long loan at Paris Saint-Germain.

More recently, the Magpies have been rumoured to be interested in signing the likes of [Alexander Isak](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-news/newcastle-alexander-isak-transfer-gossip-news-updates/) from Real Sociedad, [Ivan Toney](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11021739/Newcastle-considering-Brentfords-Ivan-Toney.html) from Brentford and [Dominic Calvert-Lewin](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-news/everton-transfer-news-calvert-lewon-broja-chelsea/) from Everton.

However, huge transfer fees being quoted have sent Newcastle looking elsewhere, with the club desperate to add alternatives to Callum Wilson and Chris Wood up top.

### **The Latest: Douglas’ claim**

After Douglas revealed that recent target [Benjamin Sesko](https://twitter.com/MsiDouglas/status/1549724327293100032) looks likely to remain at RB Salzburg, he then went on to drop an interesting claim about the Magpies’ striker pursuit.

Taking to [Twitter](https://twitter.com/MsiDouglas/status/1549724736824934401), the journalist said: “Of course you never know with these things and anything can happen. (Sesko) Fits the sort of profile #nufc seemed to be looking at with Ekitike. Maybe one to watch?

“Suspect next #nufc target might come in off-the-radar…”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”398104″\]

### **The Verdict: Absolutely necessary**

Despite Wilson’s fantastic goalscoring record in a black and white shirt, having [netted 20 goals in 46 games](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/callum-wilson/leistungsdaten/spieler/123682), the 30-year-old’s injury record raises doubts over his availability ahead of next season.

During the 2021/22 campaign, the forward [missed 23 games due to injury](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/callum-wilson/verletzungen/spieler/123682), adding to his already extensive record on the sidelines during his time at Bournemouth.

\[freshpress-poll id=”373263″\]

Furthermore, with Wood only having [scored two goals in 16 games](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/chris-wood/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/108725) for the club, Howe will be desperate to bring in a reliable and consistent striker as the Magpies look to challenge for mid-table and maybe even European places next season.