Newcastle United are reportedly planning to sell either Yoane Wissa or Nick Woltemade following Anthony Gordon's blockbuster transfer to Barcelona, according to Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith. The Magpies received an initial £69.3 million for Gordon, with potential add-ons taking the total to £75 million, giving sporting director Ross Wilson and manager Eddie Howe a substantial budget for the summer window.
Centre-Forward Priority Over Winger
Alan Smith, who scored 115 goals during his eight-year stint at Arsenal, believes Newcastle should focus on signing a centre-forward rather than a direct replacement for Gordon. Despite spending a combined £124 million on Woltemade and Wissa last summer, Smith suggests the club needs a more reliable striker.
Woltemade managed eight goals in 33 Premier League appearances last season, while Wissa struggled, scoring just once in 19 league games. Smith commented: "I would imagine maybe they'll try to get either Wissa or Woltemade out the door, probably just one of them, and bring in a centre-forward with that Gordon money."
Harvey Barnes Ready to Step Up
Smith pointed out that Harvey Barnes is a natural fit for the left-wing position vacated by Gordon, reducing the urgency to sign a winger. "The centre-forward position is the one, really. They've got Harvey Barnes who's ready-made on the left," he added.
Lessons from Last Summer's Transfer Drama
Following the late transfer sagas involving Alexander Isak and Wissa last summer, Smith urged Newcastle to act swiftly in the market. The club has already moved early to secure 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Reims for £24.2 million, signaling a change in approach.
"They certainly won't leave things dragging on until deadline day as they did [last summer]," Smith told BestBettingSites.co.uk. "They'll want to try and get the business done. I've spoken before about where they need to improve."
Newcastle's Transfer Strategy
With Gordon's departure, Newcastle now have significant funds to strengthen their squad. The priority appears to be a proven goalscorer, potentially at the expense of one of last summer's big-money signings. The coming weeks will reveal whether Wissa or Woltemade will be moved on to make room for a new centre-forward.
