Newcastle United are facing a striker crisis as the future of Alexander Isak remains uncertain. With Liverpool chasing the Swedish star, Eddie Howe and his recruitment team are exploring new options. One name has now returned to the headlines, Samu Aghehowa.
The 21-year-old forward has been on fire since moving to Portugal, scoring goals for fun at FC Porto. But his journey to the top has been filled with drama, heartbreak, and controversy. Newcastle fans are now asking: is this the man to save their season?
Aghehowa, once known as Samu Omorodion, was a rising star at Atletico Madrid. Last season, he scored 25 goals in 42 games and even made his debut for Spain in November. His pace, power, and eye for goal make him one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers.
But his story is not just about goals. It is about rejection, isolation, and a dream to play in the Premier League that almost broke him.
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A year ago, Chelsea agreed a £34.5 million deal to sign Aghehowa after his impressive loan at Alaves. However, the deal collapsed at the last moment due to contract issues. It was the same summer when Chelsea’s move for Conor Gallagher to Atletico was also put at risk.
Atletico Madrid had fought hard to keep their young forward. They rejected several offers from Chelsea and West Ham. But behind the scenes, Aghehowa was desperate to leave.
In June 2024, Spanish outlet Relevo reported that the striker sent a shocking text message to senior Atletico officials. In it, he wrote:
“At this point in my career, I don’t consider staying at the club the best option. I beg you to allow me to leave for other teams. The Premier League is my big dream.”
This text caused uproar in Madrid. Manager Diego Simeone was furious with the player’s lack of loyalty. As punishment, Aghehowa was separated from the first team and forced to train alone.
Looking back, the striker admitted that this was one of the darkest moments of his life. Speaking about his final days at Atletico, he said:
“At Atletico, I trained separately. I didn’t feel involved, not like a footballer. I trained, and my head told me no. I had a bad time. Many nights crying… my family and my mother had a terrible time.”
By August, his nightmare was over. Porto signed him for a bargain price, but they quickly included a massive £82.5 million release clause in his contract.
Even after his move, Aghehowa revealed that he never spoke again to Simeone or anyone at the Atletico board.
He told COPE’s El Partidazo: “They’re the ones who decide. If they didn’t want me, it’s because maybe they didn’t think I was good enough. I’m never going to lie; neither Cholo nor anyone from the board spoke to me, only [director of football] Carlos Bucero.”
Despite the pain, Aghehowa used it as motivation. In his first league game for Porto, he scored twice in a 3-0 win against Vitoria. Suddenly, he was back in the spotlight.
Now, with Isak unsettled and training separately from Newcastle’s first team, the Magpies are under pressure to act fast. Liverpool want Isak, and Callum Wilson has already left the club. That leaves young William Osula as the only natural striker in Howe’s squad.
For a team fighting to break into the Premier League’s top four, that is a major risk. Howe knows that, whether Isak stays or leaves, Newcastle need another goal scorer.
Aghehowa could be the answer. His hunger to succeed in the Premier League, his ability to score under pressure, and his fiery spirit could make him a perfect fit for St James’ Park.
But Newcastle fans are also cautious. They remember the chaos of his exit from Atletico and wonder whether his fiery personality might cause problems in the future.
Still, what cannot be denied is his talent. At just 21, he has already shown the resilience of a veteran. From tears on lonely training grounds to scoring on the big stage in Portugal, Aghehowa has come full circle.
The transfer window is closing soon, and Newcastle must make a bold decision. Stick with Isak and hope he commits? Or gamble on Aghehowa, the young striker who was once left out in the cold but is now hotter than ever?
For fans on Tyneside, the story is already thrilling. For Aghehowa, the Premier League dream he once begged for could finally become a reality.
