Newcastle United’s 2025/26 campaign has been a tale of two worlds. While the Magpies’ faithful enjoyed a hard-fought return to the Champions League, their domestic form has suffered a “nosedive.” Sitting in a dismal 13th place in the Premier League, the pressure on manager Eddie Howe has never been higher.
However, after receiving a “vote of confidence” from the hierarchy, Howe is expected to be backed in the transfer market once again. The primary mission? Solving the club’s glaring goalscoring crisis.
The Liam Delap Pursuit
Following the high-profile departure of Alexander Isak last summer, Newcastle have struggled to find a consistent “Number 9.” While the club spent heavily on players like Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade, the offensive output has been underwhelming.
Enter Liam Delap. According to the Daily Mail, the 23-year-old Chelsea striker has emerged as a primary target. Delap, who joined the Blues for £30m from Ipswich Town last summer, has struggled for minutes at Stamford Bridge.
- The Profile: Dubbed a “monster” by former teammates for his physical presence and workmanlike style.
- The Hurdle: Chelsea are currently hesitant to sanction a sale for the Englishman, though his name is constantly being discussed behind the scenes at St. James’ Park.
- The Fit: Delap is seen as a better tactical fit for Howe’s high-intensity system than current options.
Why Delap Upgrades Will Osula
The recent bright spot for Newcastle has been the emergence of Will Osula. The Danish international has found the net three times in his last four starts, currently sitting as the club’s fourth-highest scorer this term with five goals. However, the hierarchy believes Delap offers a significant tactical upgrade.
While Osula has shown promise, Delap’s form at Ipswich Town—where he netted 12 goals in a single top-flight campaign—remains the benchmark. Statistically, Delap dominates the Dane in key areas: he completes more dribbles (52% success rate), wins significantly more aerial duels (2.1 per 90), and maintains a higher shot accuracy.
His ability to hold the ball and create chances (0.7 per 90) suggests he would provide the “all-round quality” Newcastle have lacked since Isak’s exit.
A Busy Summer Ahead
Delap isn’t the only name on the shortlist. Newcastle are also reportedly monitoring Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, who is seeking more minutes away from Anfield.
As the 2025/26 season draws to a close, the message from Tyneside is clear: the current standing is “unacceptable.” If Eddie Howe is to survive another year, landing a physical, clinical “monster” like Delap may be the only way to fire Newcastle back into European contention.
NEWCASTLE TOP SCORERS (2025/26)
- Bruno Guimaraes: 9 Goals
- Nick Woltemade: 7 Goals
- Harvey Barnes: 6 Goals
- Anthony Gordon: 6 Goals
- Will Osula: 5 Goals
