Newcastle were beaten 1-0 by a K-League XI at the Suwon World Cup Stadium in South Korea, as their summer of woe should little sign of easing.

A defeat and a major injury were two further blows to Eddie Howe as the uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future hangs over the club. 

The only goal was scored by Kim Jin-kyu for the hosts as they outshot Howe’s side 15 to 13.

1. We know they need a striker – here’s their latest £40m target 

We already recognized the issue, but another pre-season match where Newcastle couldn’t score or win without Alexander Isak highlighted even more the necessity for a new striker, perhaps even two!

I’ve got a fresh name to share with you. My colleague Simon Jones and I from Mail Sport are tirelessly working on transfers (quite literally, due to the time difference), and we’ve learned that Newcastle has informally enquired about Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz. While high-level talks haven’t occurred, intermediaries have been engaged in negotiations with a potential fee of £40 million suggested.

Meanwhile, Newcastle continues to chase deals for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. However, there’s a prevailing sense within the club that Sesko may head to Manchester United, which would be quite frustrating as they are very interested in the Slovenian talent.

Nonetheless, this could potentially clear the way for a move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who is on Newcastle’s shortlist. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is also on their radar, though several other names take precedence currently.

Rodrigo Muniz (top) is the latest target on Newcastle’s radar, with a fee of £40million being discussed

2. A concerning lack of energy

There is huge mitigation, of course. Firstly, the Suwon World Cup Stadium would make most UK greenhouses feel like an igloo.

Even the locals said this heat was atypical, with government weather warnings on our phones affirming it. It advised caution with physical activity, and Newcastle adhered to the warning! Additionally, the field conditions weren’t ideal—a dry, patchy mix of grass.

However, Newcastle’s performance was lacking as well. They have now faced three consecutive pre-season defeats, suffering from not just low energy levels but also a lack of creativity and innovation.

Again, let us not make judgment, but I think Howe would have hoped to see more from what was a strong enough XI, including likely Premier League starters Nick Pope, Tino Livramento, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga.

They had a few half chances, but the Koreans had more and were deserved winners.

Anthony Elanga was the main shining light for Newcastle despite the 1-0 defeat in Suwon

3. Elanga shines – but gets no support 

Of those names above, Elanga was most definitely the pick, at least early on. The speed of his movement, on and off the ball, really catches the eye. There is no shortage of confidence, either.

What there does seem to be a shortage of, however, is a connection with those around him. On a couple of occasions he played crisp, early passes and his team-mates were flat-footed.

But Elanga was a positive for Howe, who needs all the plusses he can get right now!

4. Snoozing Suwon gets some Park life 

The only player who perhaps upstaged Elanga was Seung-Soo Park, the 18-year-old Korean who came on for his Newcastle debut

The only player who perhaps upstaged Elanga was Seung-Soo Park, the 18-year-old Korean who came on for his Newcastle debut.

He nearly sent this stadium into orbit when the home hero’s first involvement took out three men before winning a corner. He was at it again soon after, jinking in and out and away from opponents.

So low had the excitement levels been, you were urging his senior comrades to just give him the ball!

At full time, Kieran Trippier (an unused sub) made straight for Park and gave him a well deserved arm around the shoulder. I’d like to see more of him this pre-season, for sure.

Joe Willock was stretchered off with what looked like a serious ankle injury

5. Get well soon, Joe 

But the night did end on a real sour note, with Joe Willock stretchered off late on. He made a challenge and immediately signalled to the dugout, clutching the back of his ankle. Willock has a history of achilles problems and it looked like a similar problem.

What a shame that would be for a player dogged by injury in recent seasons. It could also add a midfielder to Newcastle’s summer wish-list…