Newcastle United manager Stan Collymore believes the club must replace Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak this summer. Goals have been difficult to come by in recent weeks as Premier League clubs adjust to the Magpies’ newfound prominence.
Only two goals in the last five Premier League games have caused concern at St James’ Park. Newcastle couldn’t stop scoring earlier this season, racking up victories over Fulham, Brentford, Southampton, and Leicester City.
Wilson’s goal drought has ended, but he did so against West Ham United at the weekend. A run of ten games without a goal threatened his place in the starting lineup, but with Isak out due to concussion protocols, he kept the spot up front.
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Toon fans will be hoping that the 30-year-well-taken old’s finish is a sign of things to come, but Collymore is skeptical. Despite only appearing in a handful of games due to injury, the former Liverpool man appeared to dismiss Isak’s chances of succeeding on Tyneside.
“I’m not convinced either of them is good enough on their own to lead the Magpies’ attack,” Collymore told CaughtOffside. “They both have their own attributes to offer, but I’m just not sure either player is the type to wear the iconic number nine shirt and bag 20-plus goals a season.
“Isak, in particular, appears to be the type who needs to play with someone else. He also needs to bulk up over the summer. He appears to be a little too lean at the moment to be a leading lone striker in the notoriously physical Premier League.
“If Newcastle qualifies for Europe next season, which is looking likely, that would obviously mean they need a bigger squad with multiple options and I don’t think either Wilson or Isak would be Howe’s preferred forward, so should they have a successful campaign this year, I expect them to target another striker ahead of the next one.
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