With Callum Wilson suffering another season spending much time on the sidelines, only starting nine Premier League games and appearing ten times as substitute, it looks as if the number nine position could be a priority for Newcastle United this summer.
Newcastle reportedly made an inquiry for Dominic Solanke back in January but Bournemouth were not open to discuss any offers at the time.
Eddie Howe bought Bournemouth’s current number nine from Liverpool for a reported £19m back in 2019 and with the two having worked together on the South Coast, this could be a beneficial move for both player and coach.
Wilson has been a phenomenal servant for Newcastle since arriving back in 2020. Scoring 47 Premier League goals and proving vital during Newcastle’s quest to stay in the league during his early years at the club.
Since the takeover and Eddie Howe’s appointment, he has shown he can also perform in a side competing at the top end of the table, scoring critical goals as Newcastle secured Champions League football last season.
Although signing a one year extension back in September, there was reported interest from European clubs in Wilson during the January window, with Atletico Madrid looking favourites at the time to secure the services of the England international. There were also claims Wilson was keen on the move to the Spanish capital, so there could be every chance that opportunity rises again come the summer.
What has been a hurdle for Wilson is his ability to stay fit for consistent periods. With Newcastle’s ambitions changing, as they consistently look to achieve European football and compete in the latter stages of the domestic cup competitions, the club will need a forward player who will guarantee availability.
For Alexander Isak, there has been at times overwhelming responsibility on his shoulders this season. The Swede has been instrumental this season and now rumours have already circulated that he’s the number one target for title contenders Arsenal.
So it’s not just imperative to strengthen the front line and support Newcastle’s top goal scorer this season but to provide insurance in that position if Isak was to leave the North-East.
What Dominic Solanke can provide is not just goals but the ability to press, which is a key element of Howe’s tactics.
Doing this at Bournemouth under Head Coach Andoni Iraola has allowed him to adapt his game and become a top centre-forward. Being 26 and at that prime age of his career, his agile approach and hold up play can assist the likes of Isak, Gordon, Barnes and Almiron who will work off the target man.
Scoring 18 Premier League goals so far this season, Dominic Solanke is also knocking on Gareth Southgate’s door to be on the plane to Germany this summer. There’s no doubt he could fill the void if Wilson was to leave this summer and with him being a proven player in the league, there would be every chance of him hitting the ground running and continuing his current goalscoring exploits.
The issue for Newcastle will be the fee Bournemouth would want for their main man. Solanke’s price tag will be high and Bournemouth will have every right to demand a big fee, especially in today’s transfer market, considering what other strikers have gone for in recent years.
As Dominic Solanke looks to continue his form going into Bournemouth’s last two games against Brentford and Chelsea, his ambition to play in Europe could become a reality, as Newcastle could potentially look to secure his services this summer.
(Simon also has his very own blog which you can visit here)
