Newcastle United may have a solution to their striker search right under their noses, potentially saving the 'inevitable' £47.5 million transfer of World Cup star Folarin Balogun. While signing a forward is a priority for many, the Magpies could turn to Yoane Wissa, who scored DR Congo's first-ever World Cup goal against Portugal.
World Cup Striker Market Heats Up
The 2026 World Cup has seen extraordinary goalscoring from elite strikers. Lionel Messi has five goals, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland have four each, while Denis Undav and Jonathan David have three. England's Harry Kane scored twice against Croatia and aims to add more against Ghana. USA striker Folarin Balogun has two goals in two games, joking about the 'inevitable' nature of top scorers. Balogun, valued at £25.9 million before the tournament, could see his price rise to £47.5 million after a strong World Cup, making him a target for Newcastle.
Yoane Wissa's Resurgence
Meanwhile, Newcastle's own forward Yoane Wissa scored a crucial header for DR Congo against Portugal, earning a 1-1 draw. The 29-year-old has endured a tough year, joining Newcastle from Brentford for £55 million but suffering a knee injury shortly after. After a slow return, he showed promising form in the final weeks of the Premier League season, impressing manager Eddie Howe with his training efforts. Despite missing chances and struggling to displace William Osula, Wissa's World Cup performance suggests he could be the answer for Newcastle's attack.
Balogun vs. Wissa: The Transfer Dilemma
Newcastle fans have prioritized signing a forward this summer, with Balogun a prime candidate. However, Wissa's display against Portugal, where he played a withdrawn No. 10 role, pressed effectively, and scored, indicates he may be ready to lead the line. If Wissa maintains this form into the Premier League season, Newcastle could avoid spending £47.5 million on Balogun, instead relying on their existing £55 million investment in Wissa. The decision rests with Howe and sporting director Ross Wilson, but the in-house option may prove both cost-effective and impactful.
