Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe insists his side will soon rediscover their attacking edge despite struggling for goals since the departure of star striker Alexander Isak.
Isak, 26, completed a British record £125m move to Liverpool on deadline day, leaving a huge void in the Magpies’ attack. Howe responded by signing Germany international Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart for a club-record £69m, while Yoane Wissa arrived from Brentford in a £55m deal.
But Newcastle’s frontline has yet to click. Woltemade, 23, scored on his debut in a 1-0 win over Wolves on September 13, but drew a blank in Sunday’s goalless draw at Bournemouth. Wissa, meanwhile, is still sidelined with a knee injury.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s League Cup third-round tie against Bradford City, Howe admitted the transition will take time but expressed faith in his new-look attack.
“In an ideal world, you have a full pre-season to iron out issues and form partnerships. We’re going to have to do it as we play — I’ve done it before, and I have no issue with it,” Howe said.
Newcastle have won just one of their six matches in all competitions this season, keeping four clean sheets but managing only four goals. They sit 13th in the Premier League with one win from five.
Howe, however, believes his side are building solid foundations and only need the spark to turn performances into wins.
“I don’t think any comparison to Alex is favourable to any player. Every player is unique, and Nick is certainly that. The biggest thing is the foundation is solid. The team is playing with strength, it’s just missing that X factor — and I think it will come,” he added.
Howe rotated heavily in the 0-0 draw at Bournemouth, making seven changes from the side beaten 2-1 by Barcelona in the Champions League. He is expected to shuffle his squad again for the clash with third-tier Bradford.
Newcastle lifted the League Cup in 2024, beating Liverpool in the final to claim their first major trophy in 56 years. Howe hopes the competition can once again provide momentum as his side adapts to life without Isak.
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