Newcastle Set to Pursue Striker in Summer Overhaul

This summer, Newcastle intends to sign a new striker, despite having spent £125m on Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa the previous year. The club is also prioritizing the acquisition of a goalkeeper, as part of a potential overhaul that could involve up to eight squad changes. With several of Eddie Howe's squad members attracting interest from other clubs and some nearing the end of their contracts, significant changes are anticipated at Newcastle. Howe, along with sporting director Ross Wilson, will have the opportunity to rectify last season's mistakes, which saw the club spend £250m with varying degrees of success. Although Newcastle have not received any offers for their high-profile players, including Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, and Tino Livramento, they are preparing for potential bids if the team fails to qualify for the Champions League. No player has expressed a desire to leave the club, according to Sky Sports News. Sunday's defeat to Sunderland has made Champions League qualification challenging, prompting fans to question the club's direction. Newcastle would prefer to retain their best players but are aware that they must avoid a situation similar to last summer's, when Alexander Isak went on strike to force a move to Liverpool. The club acknowledges that mistakes were made in handling that transfer, which had a ripple effect into the current season. However, no player will be sold for less than their value, and only a few clubs can afford players like Tonali and Gordon. With Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar's contracts expiring, and Joe Willock likely to be sold, Newcastle is on the hunt for new talent. Aaron Ramsdale is expected to return to Southampton after his loan ends, and the club is searching for a new No 1, having narrowly missed signing James Trafford last summer. Despite spending £125m on Woltemade and Wissa, Newcastle will pursue another center-forward, as Wissa's £55m transfer from Brentford has not yielded the desired results, although he will benefit from a full pre-season. Woltemade will be transitioned back to a more attacking position with training ground work.