All valued at €50m or less
Newcastle, Liverpool, and the chase for Eintracht Frankfurt’s striker Hugo Ekitiké have captured the headlines lately. Initially, reports hinted at the Magpies’ interest in the French Bundesliga forward. Subsequently, it was revealed that Liverpool had inquired about the possibility of acquiring star striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle, reportedly willing to pay a Premier League-record €138m for his transfer. Should Isak not be available, the Reds indicated they would then pursue Ekitiké instead. However, it seems that teams managed by Arne Slot are currently leading the race for Ekitiké’s signature, as the 23-year-old prefers their approach over a move to the North East.
With Newcastle’s prospects of landing the Frankfurt striker looking dim, who should Eddie Howe’s team consider to support Isak in attack? Following the departure of Callum Wilson, Isak’s previous backup, the club is now in search of reliable options to ease the pressure off the Swedish forward. With Champions League commitments on the horizon, they require someone who can complement Isak’s style while diversifying the team’s offensive strategies. Keeping this in mind, we at Transfermarkt have identified five potential alternatives to Ekitiké that Newcastle could target this summer, all valued at €50m or under.
Five alternative strikers Newcastle could target this summer
Yoane Wissa – Brentford
Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has been among the prominent names linked to Newcastle since the Ekitiké news broke. According to The Athletic, the Magpies are considering a move for Wissa, although no official contact has taken place yet. The availability and price of the Congolese forward might hinge on Bryan Mbeumo’s potential transfer to Manchester United. Wissa holds the record as the Bees’ all-time top scorer in the Premier League, netting 45 goals, and finished the last season with 19 goals in the top flight. With a market value of €32m, he could serve as a reliable backup to Isak while also offering the versatility to operate from the flanks.
Samu Aghehowa – Porto
A younger option that could provide both immediate competition and future promise is Porto striker Samu Aghehowa. The Spanish forward made a €32m switch from Atlético Madrid to Porto last summer, scoring 19 goals in 30 matches in Liga Portugal. At just 21, he still has significant room to grow. While he currently displays raw talent, Aghehowa could stand out as a sound investment for Newcastle, bringing a different playing style with his power and physicality compared to Isak’s finesse.
Gonçalo Ramos – PSG
PSG’s Gonçalo Ramos is another striker who could be available this summer. The Portuguese forward struggled for consistent playing time under Luis Enrique last season, often being overshadowed by winger Ousmane Dembélé used as a false nine. Despite starting only 12 games in Ligue 1, Ramos still managed to score 10 goals, showcasing his undeniable talent. His pace and finishing capabilities could enhance Newcastle’s attack and bring valuable Champions League experience to Howe’s squad.
Vangelis Pavlidis – Benfica
Benfica’s Greek forward Vangelis Pavlidis might also be a viable option for Newcastle this summer. The 26-year-old finished the last season with 19 league goals and netted seven times in 12 Champions League appearances. Standing at 1.86 meters, he offers aerial strength and embodies the traditional striker role that could provide Isak with support during specific match situations, adding a different dynamic to the Magpies’ lineup.
Mika Biereth – Monaco
Former Arsenal academy talent Mika Biereth had an impressive 2024/25 season. After contributing goals in Austria that helped Sturm Graz secure the title, he joined Ligue 1 side Monaco last January, continuing his scoring streak with 13 goals in 19 matches. He would likely be keen on returning to English football and may be content with a secondary role behind Isak. As a cost-effective alternative, Biereth presents a potential opportunity for Newcastle to explore.
