Soccer Football - Nations League - Play-offs - First Leg - Austria v Serbia - Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna, Austria - March 20, 2025 Serbia's Dusan Vlahovic reacts REUTERS/Elisabeth Mandl
Newcastle United suffered defeat to Liverpool at St James’ Park last night, with multiple injury concerns adding to their problems.
The Magpies endured a lively and aggressive contest that saw Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Fabian Schär all forced off with fitness issues.
Eddie Howe gave a brief update on their conditions in his post-match conference, but it wasn’t only injuries that left the Newcastle boss short for the weekend’s clash with Leeds United.
Anthony Gordon was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and is expected to serve a three-match suspension for violent conduct.
These fitness and disciplinary setbacks leave Howe with a major dilemma ahead of the trip to Elland Road on Saturday evening, especially with Alexander Isak’s future still uncertain.
With six days left in the transfer window, Newcastle are expected to continue their pursuit of a striker to replace Callum Wilson.
The North East giants have been seeking depth up front for over a month, with several near-misses so far, but they remain determined to strengthen.
Journalist Ben Jacobs offered an update on social media platform X:
“Newcastle United have been offered the chance to sign Dušan Vlahović.
“Sources in Italy say Juventus raised Vlahović as a potential replacement for Liverpool target Alexander Isak.
“Juve are willing to accept offers around €30m to move the Serbian striker off their wage bill following the arrival of Jonathan David.
“As it stands, Newcastle are not planning to proceed. It’s also unclear if Vlahović would be open to a move to St James’ Park.
“Newcastle remain keen on Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and are set to make a second bid for Wolves’ Jørgen Strand-Larsen, even though Wolves insist they don’t wish to sell.”
Will Newcastle sign a striker?
Anthony Gordon’s suspension will only heighten the urgency for a new striker before the window closes.
Despite the Vlahović opportunity, it appears Newcastle prefer a proven Premier League forward who can make an immediate impact, while they continue to manage the Isak situation.
Strand-Larsen only made his move to Wolves permanent this summer after scoring 14 league goals last season, while Wissa has returned to training with Brentford after refusing to play following Newcastle’s approach last month.
The Magpies also have an internal option in Danish youngster William Osula, who came off the bench to score the equaliser against Liverpool to make it 2-2, before Rio Ngumoha sealed the win at 3-2 in the dying minutes.
It remains to be seen whether Osula’s goal has earned Howe’s trust to start against Leeds, but it could present the 22-year-old with a chance to prove his worth if called upon.
It promises to be a decisive week for Newcastle fans, with hopes that a striker deal can be completed before the team head to West Yorkshire at the weekend.
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