Eddie Howe has opened up on why Newcastle United’s big-money striking duo Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have found themselves on the fringes at St James’ Park, insisting both players must “earn” their place in a side that is currently rewarding form over reputation.
Despite costing the club a combined £119million last summer, neither forward has been able to lock down a regular starting role in recent months, with Anthony Gordon and Will Osula now ahead of them in the pecking order.
It is a situation that has raised eyebrows among supporters, especially given the expectation that both arrivals would immediately strengthen Newcastle’s attacking options.
Woltemade and Wissa pushed down the pecking order
Nick Woltemade has not started a match in his natural centre-forward role for over three months, after being experimented with in midfield during a tactical reshuffle earlier in the season.
Meanwhile, Yoane Wissa’s struggles have been compounded by injury and inconsistency. The DR Congo international only made his debut in December after a knee issue delayed his introduction, and he has since managed just three goals in 23 appearances.
His last start came back in February, and he has since been forced to watch from the sidelines as Newcastle’s attacking shape evolved without him.
Woltemade, despite showing flashes of quality earlier in the campaign, has also seen his impact diminish, with only one of his 10 goals coming since Wissa returned to fitness.
Howe: “They must show it in training”
Speaking on the pair’s situation, Howe was direct in his assessment, making it clear that selection is based purely on merit and current performance levels.
“I know they’re both desperate to contribute,” Howe said. “Our intention in bringing them to the club was for that as well.”
However, the Newcastle boss stressed that both players are currently behind others who are delivering on the pitch.
“For different reasons, it’s been difficult for them,” he added. “Yoane has had his injury issues, but he is training better again and we hope he is on an upward trajectory.
“For Nick, it’s slightly different. The strikers in the team have performed and scored goals, so I can only play one of them. That’s been a challenge for him.”
Howe also underlined the importance of attitude in training, suggesting that commitment and response to disappointment are key factors in squad selection.
“They have to show their worth in training,” he said. “That is their shop window for me.”
“No issue” with either player despite frustration
Despite their lack of game time, Howe was keen to stress that there are no personal issues with either striker and insisted both still have an important role to play in the squad.
“I’ve got no issue with either of them,” he said. “They’ve got unique qualities that can help the team.”
The Newcastle manager also suggested that this season could ultimately serve as a long-term benefit for both players, allowing them to adapt to the club, the system, and the demands of Premier League football.
“They’ll both be better for this experience,” Howe explained. “Next season, I think we’ll see improvements across all our new signings once they’ve fully settled.”
Future still open — but competition is fierce
While Howe remains publicly supportive, the message is clear: no player is guaranteed minutes, regardless of transfer fee or reputation.
With Newcastle continuing to rotate attacking options based on form, Woltemade and Wissa now face a crucial period to force their way back into contention.
For both strikers, the challenge is no longer about potential — it is about delivering consistently when it matters most.
