Newcastle United’s forward line should undergo some serious surgery this summer, particularly after an inconsistent season from Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa following Alexander Isak’s record-breaking and disruptive departure.
During a recent Q&A for The Athletic, Chris Waugh was asked whether Newcastle could cut their losses on either striker, but it looks like there is no definitive answer to that question yet.
“Newcastle will not be afraid to make bold decisions regarding players this summer, but as of yet, it does not seem that a call has been made to try and move either/both of Wissa and Woltemade on,” Waugh said.
Waugh pointed to the context around Wissa’s situation, especially his physical condition and his early-season injury, which prevented him from performing at his peak all year.
“With Wissa, it is obvious he requires a full pre-season if he is going to have any genuine prospect of returning to full fitness,” Waugh said. “There is definitely more to come from the 29-year-old, but that knee injury really appears to have affected him.”
The insider also questioned potential market demand for Wissa, which points toward his staying in Tyneside.
“The big question would be, given his poor form, would there actually be any interest in someone approaching 30? I’d suggest little, certainly nowhere near the price for which Newcastle paid,” Waugh said.
Woltemade, however, presents a different tactical challenge and a tougher decision to make during the summer transfer window.
“Howe decided Newcastle were going to have to evolve as a team post-Isak,” Waugh said. “To reprogram the team to play to Woltemade’s strengths has proven unfeasible during a hectic campaign with so few training sessions.”
Looking ahead, Waugh outlined multiple possibilities, not closing to door to any exit.
“It would not surprise me if one of the two did leave in the summer, with Newcastle bringing in a different centre-forward if someone they like proves attainable,” Waugh said. “But I can also envisage both being in the Newcastle squad next season.”
No matter what happens, however, it’s clear NUFC need some reinforcements up front unless they want to, once more and if he’s not sold, put all eggs in Anthony Gordon’s basket.