After the highs of securing Champions League football in 2024/25, it’s safe to say Newcastle United were brought back down to earth with a bump this season.
Eddie Howe’s side could only register a 12th place finish in the Premier League, subsequently finishing the campaign 11 points of the division’s top-five spots.
It was always going to be a season of struggle for the Magpies after losing talisman Alexander Isak – as the Swede netted 23 league goals during the year prior.
Losing a player of that calibre, and replacing him with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, was a recipe for disaster – as seen by the measly standing come the end of May.
The aforementioned duo only scored nine goals combined throughout 2025/26, which has once again seen the club’s hierarchy ramp up a move for added attacking reinforcements.
Newcastle enter talks to sign world-class talisman this summer
In an attempt to land a new centre-forward this summer, the Newcastle hierarchy have already done their due diligence on a number of top-level attacking talents.
Departing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has emerged as one potential option for the Magpies, but concerns have been raised over his staggering wage demands.
Chelsea are another side said to be interested in signing the Serbian international, who is set to be available as a free agent upon the expiration of his deal on June 30th.
However, Vlahovic isn’t the only player in Howe’s sights ahead of the summer window, with Al Hilal striker Darwin Núñez another option being considered.
According to TEAMtalk, Newcastle have already been in talks with his representatives and asked to be informed about the future of the Uruguayan international in the months ahead.
The report states that the 26-year-old is set to depart the Saudi Arabian side on a free transfer, after a mutual agreement was reached to terminate his contract.
Former side Liverpool are also keen on securing his signature, with at least five other Premier League clubs said to be monitoring the attacker’s current situation.
Why Nunez would be better than Vlahovic for Newcastle
Newcastle’s hunt for Vlahovic has progressed over recent weeks, with Howe’s men once again stepping up their interest in landing the Serbian international after trying to land him last summer.
However, his availability as a free agent could make him an attractive prospect for the Magpies, with the lack of European football next term not thought to be an issue.
The biggest stumbling block will be his wage demands, as the 26-year-old is said to want at least £150k-per-week upon any transfer this summer.
|
Newcastle United wages 2025/26 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Player |
Wage per week |
Wage per year |
|
Bruno Guimaraes |
£160,000 |
£8,320,000 |
|
Anthony Gordon |
£150,000 |
£7,800,000 |
|
Joelinton |
£150,000 |
£7,800,000 |
|
Yoane Wissa |
£140,000 |
£7,280,000 |
|
Nick Woltemade |
£132,500 |
£6,890,000 |
|
Sandro Tonali |
£120,000 |
£6,240,000 |
|
Aaron Ramsdale |
£120,000 |
£6,240,000 |
|
Kieran Trippier |
£120,000 |
£6,240,000 |
Vlahovic’s lack of Premier League experience could also be a concern to the hierarchy, which could see other targets being explored as the transfer window develops.
As a result, a move for Nunez could well be a viable option, but the Magpies would have to fend off some serious interest to secure the Uruguayan’s signature.
The former Liverpool star netted 25 league goals during his 95 appearances in England’s top-flight – subsequently finding the back of the net in every 3.8 outings.
He previously cost the Reds a staggering £80m back in the summer of 2022, but his availability on a free this summer could make him an even more attractive proposition.
Nunez has frequently demonstrated he’s a better striker than the departing Juve star, as seen by his remarkable stats during his final season in the Premier League.
The Uruguayan achieved a better minute per goal record during the 2024/25 season, leading to Luis Suárez labelling him as “one of the best strikers in the world.”
His 46% dribble success rate also showcases his all-round dominance over Vlahovic, with the former Reds talent able to provide a wider range of quality within attacking areas.
Nunez’s aerial ability is another part of his game which is more advanced than the Serbian’s – subsequently winning more of his aerial battles within attacking areas.
The Magpies have lacked such dominance since Isak’s departure last summer, with a move for the departing Al Hilal star undoubtedly handing Howe the target man he’s lacked this term.
Both player’s availability on a free transfer this window presents Newcastle with the perfect chance to make amends for their lacklustre recruitment last summer.
However, if Howe’s men are to once again make a push for a Champions League spot next campaign, the recruitment team must push for a move for Nunez over Vlahovic.
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