Newcastle United is reportedly weighing up a move for FC Porto’s dynamic striker Samu Aghehowa, as the club seeks a replacement for the outgoing Alexander Isak. The Magpies’ pursuit of a new forward has intensified following their inability to secure Benjamin Sesko, who is now set to join Manchester United. This latest development marks a pivotal moment in the transfer window, with a domino effect that could finally see Isak make his desired move to Liverpool.
Isak’s Impending Departure and Newcastle’s Striker Search
The potential transfer of Samu is directly linked to the ongoing Alexander Isak saga. Isak has reportedly been training alone and has made it clear he wants to leave St. James’ Park, with Liverpool being his preferred destination. While Newcastle have rejected a significant £110 million bid from Liverpool and have placed a formidable £150 million price tag on the Swedish international, the club knows they cannot greenlight his departure until a suitable replacement is in place.
Newcastle’s primary target, Benjamin Sesko, has now agreed to a move to Manchester United, leaving Eddie Howe’s side to pivot to alternative options. Samu Aghehowa has emerged as a top contender, with reports from reputable sources like The Athletic suggesting he is a player highly admired by the Newcastle hierarchy.
Who is Samu Aghehowa? A Closer Look at the Potential Signing
Samu, also known as Samu Omorodion, is a 21-year-old Nigerian-born forward who represents Spain internationally. He had a standout season with FC Porto, scoring an impressive 27 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions. His clinical finishing, physical presence, and ability to lead the line have caught the attention of several top clubs, including Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Samu joined Porto last summer from Atlético Madrid for a fee of €15 million. His contract includes a hefty €100 million release clause. While Newcastle are yet to make a formal bid, and there’s no guarantee a deal will be finalized, the club is reportedly open to a similar fee for Samu as the one they were prepared to offer for Sesko (around €82.5m). This suggests they are serious about their intent to sign a high-quality replacement.
The Financials and Challenges of the Deal
The transfer fee for Samu is expected to be a significant one. While Porto’s release clause is set at €100 million, reports indicate they may be willing to negotiate for a fee in the range of €60-€80 million. This puts him in a similar price bracket to the aforementioned Sesko. The financial implications for Newcastle are considerable, but the potential sale of Isak for a club-record fee would provide the necessary funds to complete the deal.
Competition for Samu’s signature is fierce, with other Premier League clubs also monitoring his situation. Additionally, Newcastle’s recent struggles in the transfer market, having missed out on several targets, add an element of urgency to their pursuit. The club’s ability to swiftly and effectively negotiate this deal will be a major test of their transfer strategy this summer.
What’s Next in the Samu Transfer Saga?
The coming days will be crucial. All eyes are on St. James’ Park as Newcastle’s transfer team, led by manager Eddie Howe, works to secure their next star striker. The signing of Samu Aghehowa would not only fill the void left by Isak but would also signal Newcastle’s ambition to compete at the highest level in the Premier League and the Champions League.
Will Newcastle activate Samu’s release clause, or can they negotiate a more favorable deal? And will a successful move for the Porto forward finally unlock Alexander Isak’s transfer to Liverpool? The football world is watching with bated breath.