Eddie Howe set for rebuild as Newcastle consider replacing Yoane Wissa

Newcastle United are preparing for a major summer rebuild after a disappointing Premier League campaign, with DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa among the players whose future at the club is now uncertain.

The Magpies are set to retain manager Eddie Howe for the 2026/27 season despite a difficult campaign that has left the club 13th in the table with only two matches remaining.

Newcastle’s hopes of qualifying for European competition are now described as minimal after a run of inconsistent performances during recent months.

Attention has therefore already shifted towards changes expected during the upcoming transfer window, particularly in attacking areas.

Wissa, who joined Newcastle from Brentford last summer in a deal reportedly worth £55m, has struggled to make the expected impact at St James’ Park.

The DR Congo international had arrived with high expectations following impressive performances at Brentford, but his first season with Newcastle has proved difficult.

He has scored only one Premier League goal and missed six major chances during the campaign, leading to growing questions over his long-term role within the squad.

Reports indicate that Newcastle are now prepared to explore a possible departure for the African forward once the season concludes.

The move would represent a significant shift in strategy for the club, who had initially viewed Wissa as an important addition to strengthen their attack.

While supporters are believed to hope winger Anthony Gordon remains at the club for years to come, uncertainty appears to surround several other attacking players as Newcastle seek to reshape their squad.

The club is already looking at potential replacements, with reports from Portuguese media suggesting Newcastle have submitted an offer for a striker currently playing for Sporting CP.

The Colombian forward, who is 28 years old, has reportedly impressed Newcastle officials with his prolific scoring form in Portugal this season.

However, Newcastle are said to be reluctant to activate the player’s €80m (£69m) release clause, with negotiations between the clubs continuing.

The striker’s mobility, creativity and attacking efficiency are believed to be among the qualities attracting interest from the Premier League side.

Statistics from Liga Portugal reportedly show he has created 12 major chances this season while averaging three key passes every two matches, in addition to regularly winning attacking duels.

For Newcastle, strengthening the forward line has become increasingly important following a season in which attacking consistency has been lacking.

The uncertainty around Wissa’s future also reflects the growing pressure on the club to improve performances after expectations rose significantly in recent years.

Wissa’s struggles underline the challenges many African players face after securing high-profile transfers to elite European clubs, where adaptation periods are often heavily scrutinised.

Despite his difficult campaign, the Congolese forward remains one of the most recognisable African attacking players in the Premier League and could still attract interest from other clubs should Newcastle decide to move him on this summer.

As the transfer window approaches, the Magpies now face important decisions over both recruitment and departures as Howe attempts to guide the club back towards competitiveness next season.

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Mubarak Haruna
Mubarak Haruna is an emerging force in African football journalism, recognised for his speed, accuracy and ability to break major stories. He specialises in breaking news, match coverage and multimedia storytelling across radio, television and digital platforms.He holds a degree in Journalism from the Ghana Institute of Journalism and has developed his craft within some of Ghana’s leading media organisations. Mubarak has worked with the Multimedia Group, where he served as a sports radio and television presenter at Joy FM, while also contributing as a writer for Myjoyonline.com.Known for his sharp instincts and ability to deliver timely football stories, Mubarak has gained growing recognition for his impactful reporting and dedication to the profession.He is currently the Deputy Managing Editor of African.Football, where he plays a key role in driving editorial operations, breaking major stories and supporting the platform’s mission to deliver fast, reliable and high-quality African football content to a global audience.

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