Newcastle United Faces Striker Dilemma as Scouts Eye Dinamo Zagreb Forward
In just three months as manager, Matthias Jaissle finds Newcastle United grappling with offensive challenges. The German coach took over from Eddie Howe in August, and the team currently sits 13th in the league table with 11 points accumulated from nine matches. Their recent form highlights ongoing issues, with only two victories in seven competitions, including significant defeats to Leeds United and Coventry City, as well as back-to-back losses against Everton in both league and EFL Cup action.
The situation at the striker position exemplifies these struggles. Yoane Wissa, who joined the team this summer, leads the attacking line but has managed just one goal and one assist in nine matches, struggling to find his role in Jaissle’s preferred system. Meanwhile, William Osula, who wears the number 10 jersey, has not fared much better, netting only once in five appearances and lacking the experience necessary for high-pressure situations.
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Jaissle emphasizes a high-energy, direct playing style; however, when the team lacks confidence or faces pressing opponents, they tend to resort to long balls with no reliable option to receive them. A forward capable of winning headers and maintaining possession could significantly alter the team’s dynamic.
Scouts Watch Sunderland Game
Sport Witness reports, as cited by Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti, that Newcastle is keenly observing a striker from Dinamo Zagreb ahead of the January transfer window. Club officials attended Dinamo’s 2-0 Europa League victory over Sunderland, where Croatian international Dion Drena Beljo scored the second goal. Newcastle had been monitoring him while he was still in Croatia, and multiple Premier League teams, including Everton, are also interested. Transfermarkt estimates Beljo’s value at around £13 million, while Dinamo expects bids between approximately £17 million and £26 million.
Beljo has already notched 18 goals and six assists in just 19 appearances this season, noted for his aerial skills, quick reflexes inside the box, and precise finishing. His ability to link play as a lone target forward aligns well with Jaissle’s strategic needs.
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Should Newcastle United Prioritize Beljo Over an Ivan Toney Reunion?
AUGSBURG, GERMANY – APRIL 21: Hiroki Ito of VfB Stuttgart battles with Dion Drena Beljo during the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and VfB Stuttgart at WWK-Arena on April 21, 2023 in Augsburg, Germany. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
Reports suggest Newcastle has shown interest in reuniting with former Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who offers proven experience in top-flight football. However, given Toney’s age and the significant wages associated with a transfer from Saudi Arabia, such a deal poses a risk under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations. Investing in a costly short-term fix does not typically yield long-term benefits, especially for a club seeking to enhance their goal-scoring.
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Beljo presents an appealing alternative. At 24 years old, with 18 goals this season, he not only promises immediate impact but also potential resale value. Even the upper range of Dinamo’s asking price appears manageable compared to Toney’s salary demands. With Wissa and Osula lacking the physicality and finishing skills needed for Jaissle’s setup, Beljo could fulfill the role of a robust target man who excels at holding the ball and controlling the box.
Securing Beljo would also prevent him from joining Everton, who have recently defeated Newcastle in two consecutive matches, ensuring Newcastle’s recruitment remains proactive rather than reactive.
