Newcastle United are crying out for a new number nine amid Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa’s struggles. The attacking duo arrived at St James’ Park last summer for £124m but have failed to hit the heights expected.
The lack of a clinical number nine has been a clear issue for Eddie Howe, which is why one must be signed this summer. Anthony Gordon is currently the club’s top scorer with 15 goals, and his future is uncertain amid links to Liverpool and Manchester United.
Newcastle seem to have set their sights on a Tottenham Hotspur frontman who could be on the move. The chances of the Magpies swooping increase should Spurs suffer relegation.
Alan Shearer raised concerns over the club’s transfer business this week after watching Woltemade and Wissa remain on the bench against Barcelona. The iconic former striker clearly feels Howe deserves better backing from the higher-ups.
Time for Solanke?
Howe might have had a say in a potential pursuit of Tottenham star Dominic Solanke. A report from The Daily Mail claims that the Englishman is emerging as a target for the Tyneside giants.
Solanke has endured a difficult season with the Lilywhites, who are dangerously close to dropping out of the top flight. His side sit 16th, a point above the drop zone with nine games remaining.
| Dominic Solanke (Premier League 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 10 |
| Goals: | 3 |
| Expected goals (xG): | 1.67 |
| Scoring frequency (in mins): | 200min |
| Goals per game: | 0.3 |
| Total shots: | 1.2 |
| Shots on target per game: | 0.6 |
| Big chances missed: | 1 |
| Goal conversion: | 25% |
A mass exodus is anticipated if the North Londoners indeed suffer relegation to the EFL Championship. Solanke is one of those who will almost certainly be on the move, and St James’ Park could be his next destination.
Solanke joined Spurs from Bournemouth in August 2024 for £65m following a stellar spell at the Vitality Stadium. He posted 77 goals and 29 assists in 216 games across five years with the Cherries.
Howe knows best
Six of those goal contributions came under Howe during the back end of the Newcastle coach’s spell in charge of the South Coast outfit. He was still a young, up-and-coming attacking talent at the time, but his former manager was certainly a fan.
Howe gave a glowing verdict when speaking about Solanke over 18 months:
“Dominic is someone who has always kept his head down, he’s worked hard, he’s never let any outside noise affect him, he’s been very consistent with his attitude and his work. He’s a great lad, he’s got an incredible ability. And he’s had to deal with a lot the other way (criticism).“
Howe added:
“Sometimes you’ve got to realise that very young players make big moves and moving area and all the things that come with a transfer, sometimes it takes players longer to settle at a new club than others. But he’s an outstanding player, I have said that from day one, and he’ll only continue to get better.“
Solanke could be an ideal acquisition for Howe because he’s a player he knows well. He has years of Premier League experience at 28.
Splashing the cash on a European prospect like Woltemade isn’t the solution up top. Howe needs a striker who has experienced English football and can handle the pressure of leading the line for the Magpies.
