Newcastle United transfer latest as striker hunt continues
Nicolas Jackson could leave Chelsea this summer after returning from a loan spell at Bayern Munich
Newcastle United’s hunt for a striker could see them return to a former target. Nicolas Jackson was one of many forwards considered by the Magpies last summer amid the Alexander Isak situation.
The Senegal striker eventually joined Bayern Munich on a season-long loan deal but with the German giants admitting they won’t make the move permanent, the 24-year-old is set to return to Chelsea. Newcastle – still yet to solve their attacking conundrum – are believed to be monitoring the player’s situation.
Having spent £124million on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, it is galling that the Magpies still feel the need to sign another striker less than 12 months on but here we are. Is Jackson the solution? Our team of writers give their verdict.
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Lee Ryder
The first question I’d ask is whether Nicolas Jackson is better than either Nick Woltemade or Yoane Wissa when fully fit and firing? For me the answer to that is no.
Jackson has done OK at Bayern Munich and is a decent player, but he has had a world class team around him this term. Could he handle the pressure of leading the line at Newcastle and the weight of expectation on Tyneside?
For me if Woltemade is played in his correct position and gets the ball this feet, something that should be achievable, he will prove his value like he did in the first half of the season. Wissa is a striker who needs game-time and a pre-season under his belt at Benton, and I think he has proved already at top level he can come good.
I’d save money on a striker and invest elsewhere. Giving up on Woltemade and Wissa is a stupid idea.
Sean McCormick
Last summer, a lot of people turned their nose up at signing Jackson. Perhaps, because the thought of the Senegal international replacing Alexander Isak, fresh off scoring over 20 goals in two consecutive seasons, felt like a downgrade.
But the goalposts have changed now that the Magpies have three misfiring strikers on their books. If it is affordable, it is a deal that makes sense. Jackson scored 30 goals across two seasons for Chelsea and has backed it up with 10 goals this term for Bayern Munich, for whom he has played second fiddle to Harry Kane during a loan spell.
Is he the perfect solution? No. But if Newcastle can make it affordable, he may be a good option to pursue, particularly given the 24-year-old’s best years are still ahead of him.
Ross Gregory
I said back in August that I felt Jackson was the best option at the time for Newcastle and I still think that may be the case. There’s a dearth of top-drawer forwards out there, as Newcastle know only too well, so getting a striker who has played at the top level with Chelsea and Bayern Munich for approximately £55million isn’t the worst deal on the table.
Jackson’s goalscoring return isn’t bad. It’s not world class but finding someone who fits that mould will be difficult. He’s still only 24 and as I wrote at the time, his workrate and pressing look a great fit for Eddie Howe’s style of play. Last season, the Senegal star averaged 25.5 sprints per 90 minutes which was the third-highest in the Premier League.
He’s under contract until 2033 and is on around £100,000 a week at Chelsea. Having had a loan spell at Bayern, it could be worth asking about another temporary season-long move if Newcastle have a tight budget this summer.
Andrew Musgrove
I’ve got to say, I’ve never been a big fan of Nicolas Jackson – but maybe the negative press around him distracted me from what is actually a decent goal record in the Premier League. 24 goals in two season at a club as chaotic as Chelsea is not to be sniffed at.
Chuck in seven goals for Bayern Munich this campaign, then he’s proving himself as prolific but the question is, is he too streaky? Newcastle are trying to solve the issue of consistency up top – and signing a forward who goes six or seven games without a goal far too often, isn’t the answer.
That being said, who is? If you’re looking for a striker who is proven in the Premier League with the best years ahead of him, Jackson will tick those boxes. He wouldn’t be my first choice though.
Stuart Jamieson
It says everything about Newcastle’s current goalscoring options that while I would have shied away from a Jackson deal 12 months ago, I would now welcome it with open arms.
I’m not convinced he’s the perfect player for United, but he’s certainly a lot better than their current attacking options and has a proven goalscoring record. With a bit of love from Eddie Howe, he could yet turn out to be a quality Premier League performer.
Much would depend on the asking price – and the wages he would demand – but if we’re asking whether he would improve this side, then the answer is a firm yes.
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