It’s no secret that Newcastle United need a striker next season despite having three centre-forwards in the first-team and Alex McLeish has tipped them to find a ‘talisman’ like Liverpool’s Luis Diaz who could score 20+ goals in 2022/23.
Callum Wilson has struggled with injuries in his two years at St James’ Park, so Eddie Howe can’t rely on him over the course of a campaign. Dwight Gayle has struggled for playing time this season and could be moved on before his contract expires in 2023. Then there’s Chris Wood who joined in January but has scored just two goals in 17 games. He might be upgraded.
McLeish believes Newcastle must identify a prolific striker if they’re to challenge the top-six next season, telling Football Insider: “You need that talisman. To achieve things in football, you need players who are going to score 22 goals in a season. It’s whether you get them. There aren’t a lot of them about. Maybe Newcastle can unearth someone like Liverpool did with Luis Diaz.”
The Reds paid £37m for the 25-year-old who has gone on to start 18 games in all competitions, scoring six goals with five assists. He’s had an instant impact without breaking the bank, so Newcastle could do with finding their own version.
The Magpies finished 11th in the Premier League this campaign and were 12th in the table for goals (44), so bolstering their attack is key. Newcastle won’t pay over the odds for players, however, so it may be a modest signing that comes through the doors rather than a marquee acquisition.
In other news, Paul Merson says ‘it’s ridiculous’ Newcastle signed Nick Pope for £10m
