Newcastle front of the queue to sign £400,000-a-week ‘natural finisher’ in January
Newcastle United could be forced into the January transfer market to address their attacking problems, with a high-profile striker emerging as a potential solution for Matthias Jaissle.
The Magpies have struggled for consistency under the German, with five defeats in their last seven matches across all competitions leaving the manager facing increasing scrutiny.
Back-to-back losses against Everton have only added to the frustration at St James’ Park, where Newcastle’s inability to create and convert chances has become a particular concern.
Jaissle demands Newcastle response ahead of Fulham clash
Newcastle travel to Fulham on Saturday without Jacob Ramsey following his red card against the Toffees, while Joelinton is also unavailable after suffering another injury setback.
Speaking at Thursday’s press conference, Jaissle said: “Joelinton went out with an injury again, we need to make the final treatment plan for him and see how long he will be out.”
There was more encouraging news regarding Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who has resumed training following an illness, although his fitness will need to be assessed before Saturday.
Jaissle also called for a response after another disappointing performance.
“It is on us to go again in the right direction and show better performances. Analyse in detail, speak and then regroup.
“You see players, in their faces, they want to show a reaction. We need to step up in all the things we can influence, use every situation to make the smaller details better.”
Newcastle’s struggles in front of goal have been particularly problematic, with neither Will Osula nor Yoane Wissa establishing themselves as a reliable source of goals.
Newcastle set to pursue Toney in January transfer window
According to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, Newcastle will ‘definitely’ look at signing Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney when the January transfer window opens.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown suggested that signing a proven goalscorer will be a priority for Jaissle’s side.
“Newcastle’s major problems this season have been down to the lack of goals from their strikers.
“They don’t have somebody in the side who you would look at and say, he’s somebody we want to rely on to provide us with the goals, particularly given where Newcastle want to be.
“So then they’re in a situation where they have to consider which strikers might be available in January, which is never an easy place to be.
“But Ivan Toney is certainly somebody who has been on their radar, he’s always spoken about with a return to the Premier League, so he will be an option for them in January.
“It’s a deal that would make a lot of sense because he’s got a great record in front of goal, he knows the Premier League, and he’s already got a relationship with the manager.
“When you’re asking which strikers could be available for Newcastle, he’s got to be near the top of their list, and it’s definitely a move I can see them making.”
The 30-year-old has already worked under Jaissle at Al-Ahli, where he enjoyed considerable success following his departure from Brentford in 2024.
Tuchel reveals Jaissle praise for Toney
Toney’s goalscoring ability has attracted praise from England manager Thomas Tuchel, who shocked plenty of Three Lions fans when he selected the striker for his World Cup squad earlier this year.
Interestingly, Tuchel revealed that he had received positive reports from Jaissle about Toney’s performances in Saudi Arabia.
“I had fantastic feedback from his coach, who was my player,” Tuchel said. “He still collects fantastic numbers. He has qualities for when we are chasing a goal. He can take attention off other strikers.
“He has a natural presence in the box & is a natural finisher. He is good from set-pieces. Not to forget, he is a world class penalty taker.”
However, any potential move to Newcastle would come with significant financial considerations.
According to previous reporting from The Mirror, Toney earns approximately £400,000 per week at Al-Ahli, equivalent to around £20.8m annually, including bonuses.
That could prove a substantial obstacle to any return to English football, although Toney’s previous relationship with Jaissle and impressive goalscoring record make him an intriguing option.
