Despite all the drama that has plagued Newcastle United throughout the summer transfer window, there is a sense that Eddie Howe is pretty pleased with the majority of his club’s business.
Newcastle rebounded from an annoyed start to the 2024/25 campaign, playing in the Champions League, finishing fifth in the Premier League, and lifting the Carabao Cup by defeating Liverpool at Wembley.
But after the curtains were draped in the best season, the feeling was good and after the top targets had weakened the mood and some bids failed after failing to do so.
This was a transfer window for attrition, but it was a weathered Newcastle and now appears to emerge from an enhanced victory across the park.
And while the pursuit of a new striker was ridiculously fruitless up to this stage, Newcastle finally made its way forward and welcomed Nick Urtemaid from Stuttgart with club record fees.
Why Newcastle signed Ultemaid
This remains a speculation at this stage, but all pointers suggest that they were welcomed to Newcastle as an alternative to Alexander Isaac.
Newcastle’s freescoring talisman has pose himself on Tyneside for three years, but has put up essays to secure a move to Premier League Champions Liverpool for more than a month, and appears to be ready to get his wish.
The blow, there is no doubt about it. For Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, Isak was “the best striker in the Premier League” last season. He scored 27 goals in all competitions and replacing him was naturally considered a sudden task.
But the 23-year-old Woltemade has all the tools to thrive as the successor to the Swedish star. In all competitions last year, the 6-foot-6 centre forward scored 17 goals and supplied three assists, while talent scout Jacek Kulig honored his “unstopped” form in front of the goal.
Of course, a great signature, but there is little evidence that Woltemade is running at this stage, especially as Newcastle plans to further strengthen the frontline with the signature of Prem Preve Number Nine, Brentford’s Yoan Wissa at the top of the list.
Landing the Germans was a great business, but Newcastle didn’t end there. Certainly, Howe and United transfer staff are aiming at the centre midfielder to complete the set.
Newcastle in the last gas place for midfielders
According to offside, Newcastle has joined Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher for a late transfer.
Valued at £45 million by the Spanish giants, Gallagher only traded Laliga’s Premier League a year ago and showed many promises under the wings of Diego Simeone last year, but he is open to making a dramatic return to his hometown.
Tottenham Hotspur is understood to lead the race at this stage, but Newcastle is ready to attack Crystal Palace and Manchester United as well, if the opportunity arises.
What Gallagher brings to Newcastle
Now that Woltemade has arrived, Newcastle is in a much better position to tackle future campaigns. However, his signature comes with a warning that Isak will leave.
However, Gallagher only strengthens his deep and dynamic midfield cohort, and is clearly supported by former Chelsea teammate Moises Caseko who was called “like a car” in the middle, so it’s clear that there’s the support of those billed as superstars in the Premier League.
Additionally, he attempted and tested his success on the UK’s top flight, introduced his annual technical skills, strength and energy at Stamford Bridge, introduced the Lone Spell with West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace, covering the most distance in matches at Selhurst Park.
Newcastle injured Sandro Tonari and Jollington after a painful defeat against Liverpool on Monday night, and Gallagher’s presence would have come a long way to inject that extra quality, drive to the Reds, withering the ropes, and injecting drives against the Reds that were pushed against the ropes
Gallagher from PL | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (*per game) | 22/23 | 23/24 |
Match (start) | 35 (18) | 37 (37) |
the goal | 3 | 5 |
assist | 1 | 7 |
Pass completed | 85% | 92% |
A big opportunity has been created | 5 | 11 |
Key Pass* | 0.6 | 1.4 |
dribble* | 0.7 (50%) | 1.0 (68%) |
Ball recovery* | 5.1 | 6.3 |
Tackle* | 1.3 | 2.3 |
Duels (winning)* | 3.5 (45%) | 5.7 (50%) |
Statistics via Sofascore | ||
Over the past year at Atletico, Gallagher has played a key role, featuring 52 times and contributed to 10 target contributions. His prowess has been translated into life in Spain, and his ability to operate in various mid-part roles in England speaks for itself.
Woltemade scored 12 times for Bundesliga last season on all his promises and possibilities.
But how can you compete for Gallagher’s English soil skills? He played at Aplomb for three different clubs, all different levels, and demonstrated his range while doing so.
While there’s no doubt Woltemade will get off in anticipation of Tyneside and he has big boots to intervene, Gallagher will only add to the already very fluid and aggressively working midfield circle, and his skill set suggests he’ll come in soon.
And with someone like Wissa, who scored 19 times in the Premier League last season, in fact, Woltemade could be on the bench for numerous matches, spending the campaign on the jockeys in places in front of the ship.
However, this should not be negative for Toon. Despite the potential sale of ISAK, Newcastle is cleverly recruiting, with plenty of options ready to lift Howe’s system into another gear.