Last summer it was the sale of Alexander Isak which tore apart Newcastle United’s frontline, but this window it’s the turn of Anthony Gordon to depart the Magpies.

The England international, who netted 17 goals for Eddie Howe’s side this campaign, has already completed a move to Spanish giants Barcelona for a reported £70m.

Losing your top goalscorer two seasons in a row would be a bitter blow for any side - let alone a side that endured a 17-point drop off from the season prior.

Howe will now have yet another huge challenge during the summer transfer window to try and replace the departing 25-year-old before the 2026/27 campaign.

Despite the window not opening for another couple of weeks, the Magpies' recruitment team have already identified a handful of players who could move to Tyneside this window.

Newcastle advancing negotiations to sign £42m star this summer

The £70m received for Gordon’s signature will go a huge way in the transfer market, but as seen last summer, it’s crucial that the hierarchy make the right additions.

Cologne winger Said El Mala has emerged as one potential option to replace the Englishman after scoring 13 times during his debut Bundesliga campaign.

The Magpies aren’t alone in wanting a move for the 19-year-old at present, with fellow English side Brentford already making an offer for the German youngster.

El Mala isn’t the only winger currently playing in the Bundesliga who’s caught the attention of Howe’s side with a bid reportedly submitted for young winger Zadok Yohanna, according to reports. Hoffenheim star Bazoumana Toure has also appeared on their shortlist.

As per Sports Boom, Newcastle have advanced negotiations to land the 20-year-old in recent days and have identified him as an excellent replacement for Gordon.

The report also states that a deal is yet to be reached between the two clubs, but the Magpies are making a deal for the Ivorian a priority this window.

Toure and his camp are said to have been presented with 'serious offers' from Newcastle. The Toon are now discussing what is described as a big package to bring the player to the north east.

A fee in the region of £42m has been mooted for the youngster’s signature, as Liverpool and Arsenal also continue to eye up a deal for Toure’s signature ahead of next term.

Why Toure would be way better than Murphy for Newcastle

This summer will be vital for Newcastle as they aim to soften the blow of Gordon’s departure, but it remains to be seen how much of a role Jacob Murphy will have next season.

The 31-year-old, who joined the Magpies back in 2017, has once again been a regular starter for Howe’s men this term - but has massively failed to deliver in the final third.

He could only muster three goals and two assists within his 33 league appearances in 2025/26, leading to concerns from the fans over his long-term future at St James’ Park.

Whilst he operates on the opposite flank to the new Barcelona man, Murphy too could be impacted this summer as the hierarchy look to take the Magpies up a notch next season.

Hailed as an "explosive winger" by scout Jacek Kulig, Toure is a player who can operate off either flank and could well be a talent who restricts Murphy from featuring on a regular basis - should he move to Tyneside this summer.

However, when comparing their respective stats from 2025/26, the Hoffenheim star has dominated in countless key areas - with any move potentially being bad news for Murphy.

Toure, who’s been labelled “incredible” by analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson, registered 14 combined goals and assists in the Bundesliga this season - a tally nearly three times higher than the current Magpies star.

The aforementioned figure highlights the youngster’s quality within the final third - potentially adding the threat Howe’s men have lacked over recent months.

The Ivorian international also managed to complete 2.1 successful dribbles per 90 in Germany’s top-flight this term - another tally that’s nearly two times higher than Murphy’s.

However, Toure’s biggest asset is his crossing ability, as seen by his remarkable tally of 34% crosses completed - subsequently ranking him in the top 8% of attackers in the Bundesliga.

As for Murphy, he was only able to complete 19% of his attempted crosses - subsequently highlighting the massive difference in quality between the aforementioned duo.

Newcastle’s need for added attacking reinforcements is there for all to see this summer, with Howe needing to push the side back up the table in 2026/27.

Losing Gordon is a huge blow to the Magpies, but it could kickstart a needed overhaul of the attacking department before the start of the new campaign in August.

As for incomings, £42m would be an excellent deal for a player of Toure’s quality, with the 20-year-old able to play a key role in any success endured on Tyneside in the years ahead.