Newcastle United now told that signing 28-year-old striker would be a 'gamble' amid reports of talks
One area of the pitch that Newcastle United could do with extra options ahead of next season is centre forward with Alexander Isak being backed up by just Will Osula.
That is assuming, of course, that Callum Wilson will leave the club this summer. Although his contract expired last week we've had no official word from the player or the club about his current status.
We've been saying for over a year now, though, that regardless of whether or not Wilson remains at the club, we need another striker, one who can push Alexander Isak for a first-team place regularly.
The final word of that sentence is key, as Wilson could push Isak for a starting spot on his day, but those occasions became as rare as hen's teeth.
Newcastle have held 'advanced talks' with Dominic Calvert-Lewin but Tony Cascarino has warned of 'dreadful' record
One player Eddie Howe is very keen on that most of the Toon Army are not is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and now that the 28-year-old has left Everton, TBR Football are claiming that Newcastle are one of several clubs who have held talks with the former England striker, even claiming the Magpies have held 'advanced talks'. However, former Chelsea man, Tony Cascarino issued a stark warning to those clubs on TalkSPORT, and it's one that we fully agree with.
“If you look at his injury record, it is dreadful.
“Is he a player that would be useful if he was fit? Absolutely. Calvert-Lewin at his best and being fit is a good player. He’s a real handful. He’s probably one of the best headers of the ball in the Premier League. His ability to get off the ball and hang and direct headers is exceptional.
“But he doesn’t get on the football field enough.
“He’s obviously chosen to leave Everton for pastures new. I’m sure there will have been contact from other clubs, but he’s clearly a player you’re going to have to take a gamble on whether he can play enough football. I don’t know that answer. His injury record over the last two or three years, it is not good reading.”
It's a hard pass from us
For us, it's not just his injury record that puts us off, but it's his strike rate. Three goals and two assists in 26 appearances last season is hardly going to get fans excited. Even in 2023/24 when he managed 38 appearances, he still only notched eight goals.
He may be a free transfer, but we still don't see the value in bringing him in at Newcastle, whether it be to replace or work alongside Callum Wilson. He's only an upgrade on Wilson in terms of his age.
The fume will be real if we sign DCL this summer and no other striker. Again, like Wilson, he could be useful to have on the bench, but he can not be our only other option. Will Osula will step up next season, we imagine, but we still need another top-quality, first-team-ready player who will be available when needed to support or replace Isak when needed. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is not the answer.
