Alan Shearer offered verdict on $94M Newcastle target as Liverpool continues Alexander Isak wait

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Earlier remarks from Alan Shearer indicate Newcastle United might need to alter its approach if it is to secure Jorgen Strand Larsen's signature as the Alexander Isak saga rumbles on.

The Tyneside club have had two offers for the Norwegian striker rejected by Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Midlands outfit reportedly seeking $94 million (£70 million).

The 25-year-old demonstrated precisely why Eddie Howe would benefit from his arrival by netting twice in Wolves' 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over West Ham on Tuesday. With Isak continuing to push for an exit to Liverpool and Callum Wilson having departed for West Ham, the Scandinavian has been identified as an ideal candidate to plug one of the gaps in Howe's attacking options.

Nevertheless, should the 6ft 4in frontman make the switch to St James' Park, an adjustment to their tactical approach might prove necessary.

This stems from observations made by Shearer well before Strand Larsen was even mooted as a potential Magpies target. Back in April, following his strike in a 2-1 win against Ipswich Town, he lauded the striker whilst outlining how a side can maximize his strengths.

He said: "He has got 11 goals this season, four in his past three games. Wolves has won three games and drawn one. So that tells you the answer about what they are going to do without its best player (Matheus Cunha, who was suspended and has since joined Manchester United).

"He was a nuisance. His hold-up play was excellent, and I thought his touch and his control were superb. Wolves didn't play that well in the first half, but they certainly improved in the second.

"When you've got a guy who's 6'4, you have to get balls into the box, and they certainly did that in the second half."

Jorgen Strand Larsen of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammates Jackson Tchatchoua and Jhon Arias during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at Molineux on August 26, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England

Jorgen Strand Larsen is a top target for Newcastle

Currently, Howe's team attempts to thread swift and penetrating passes between the lines, whilst also seeking to regain possession high up the field so they can rapidly transition from defence to attack.

Nevertheless, Strand Larsen lacks the same pace and burst of speed as Isak, meaning the Magpies might need to modify their offensive approach to deploy him as a focal point.

He can utilize his imposing physique to triumph in aerial duels and retain possession, whilst the likes of Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and others can attempt to make runs beyond him.

Should he arrive, Howe's team may face a comparable dilemma to Arsenal, who recruited Viktor Gyokeres, a striker with a similar build and characteristics.

Following Gyokeres' arrival, the Gunners have modified their attacking philosophy, where they are now looking to advance the ball upfield with greater urgency rather than constructing play methodically.

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