NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid at St James' Park on August 09, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Gordon’s new Isak: Howe exploring Newcastle move for £30m “target man”….
In Alexander Isak’s ongoing absence from Newcastle United’s matchday squads, Anthony Gordon was tasked with leading the line for the Magpies in their Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
Manager Eddie Howe was certainly complimentary of the England international, and said he “looked very good as a centre forward” at Villa Park.
Gordon, who got 90 minutes under his belt against the Villans, managed two shots on target and completed 23 sprints, as per Sofascore. He showed great threat at running in behind and managed to get Ezri Konsa sent off when he was bearing down on goal.
anthony-gordon-newcastle-premier-league
Yet, as threatening as the forward looked as a striker on Sunday, it’s not his natural position. Newcastle have been linked with some true centre-forwards.
Newcastle’s latest striker target
The hunt goes on for the Magpies, as they search for a new striker to strengthen up front this summer. As has been reported this week, Goncalo Ramos is reportedly open to a move to the North East from PSG, but it remains to be seen if that deal will materialise.
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Another alternative option could come from within the Premier League, according to TEAMTalk. Newcastle are said to be ‘exploring a move’ to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers and Norway international striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
However, this deal will not be easy at all, with Wolves ‘thin on attacking depth’ after sales and injuries have already affected them.
strand-larsen-wolves-premier-league
Even so, ‘the door isn’t entirely shut’ for Howe’s side to sign Strand Larsen, and if the Old Gold find a replacement, a £30m deal could be on the cards this summer.
Why Strand Larsen would be a good signing
After initially moving on loan to Molineux last season from Celta Vigo, it was an impressive debut season in the West Midlands for Strand Larsen. He became a key source of goals in a Wolves team that had previously only had Matheus Cunha to inspire them in front of goal.
Last season, the 25-year-old managed to find the back of the net 14 times in 35 Premier League appearances. Some of the underlying numbers show just how well he played, averaging 0.5 goals and 1.2 shots on target per 90 minutes.
Strand Larsen’s 24/25 PL stat
Stat
Per 90
Season total
Goals
0.5
14
Shots on target
1.2
34
Key passes
0.7
21
Expected goal involvements
0.39xGI
11.32xGI
Aerial duels won
2.3
67
Stats from Sofascore./
Described as a “target man” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the former Celta Vigo star has shown a great instinct in front of goal for the Old Gold.
This goal against Manchester City last season sums that up with excellent movement in the penalty box to get on the end of an early cross.
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