His career was eventually rejuvenated by a loan move to Fulham, which later resulted in a £25 million permanent contract. During Fulham’s 2021–22 Championship title victory, the striker had a record-breaking season under Marco Silva at Craven Cottage, scoring almost 100 goals in double the number of games. He scored 43 goals in 46 second-tier outings.

Two seasons ago, Mitrovic’s incredible goal-scoring record even won over former Manchester United and Fulham striker Louis Saha, who labeled the Serbian as a “old-fashioned” striker and was thoroughly delighted by his total.

Because of Mitrovic’s skill set, Al-Hilal of the Saudi Pro League made an offer of £50 million for his services during the summer transfer window of 2023, which Fulham’reluctantly’ accepted.

Star striker Isak, who has seven goals this season, was substituted early in Newcastle’s European match against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night due to a groin issue. The Swede may miss the next four matches, which include matches against Man United in the Carabao Cup, Arsenal in the Premier League, and Dortmund again in the Champions League, according to head coach Howe.

With seven goals in nine league games this season, Callum Wilson has established himself as a reliable backup for the Magpies, but one can’t help but wonder what could have happened if Newcastle had hung with their faltering Serbian striker.

 

Mitrovic’s figures upon his relocation to Saudi Arabia.

The 29-year-old has maintained his excellent form since relocating to Saudi Arabia, scoring 12 goals in 14 games so far this season. Mitrovic leads all goal scorers with five, surpassed only by five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to FotMob, the former Newcastle center-forward is averaging 0.91 goals per 90 shots this season in the Saudi Pro League, which means Mitrovic is hitting the mark at least once per four to five attempts.

According to FBref, Mitrovic also participates in 7.5 aerial duels per 90, winning 66.7% of them, and completes 10 touches in the offensive penalty area per 90. Wilson, for example, had 7.02 touches in 90 aerial duels and 2.34 aerial duels per 90, with a 36.4% success rate 90 is the opponent’s penalty box.

At St James’ Park, the Gallowgate End never realized Mitrovic’s full potential, but at his best right now, the number “9” has turned into a threat in the penalty area and is finally “the diamond” The Guardian’s Jonathan Wilson said he would be more than eight years ago.

 

Ever since the PIF acquisition in 2021, Newcastle United has seen a complete transformation. The club’s expectations have shifted from being a bottom-dwelling squad to one that is vying for a top four spot in the Premier League.

Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak, Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, and Sven Botman are just a few of the smart additions the Magpies have made. Hiring Eddie Howe to lead the team into a new era has also shown to be a smart move.

 

While there are still players on the roster from Mike Ashley’s era at St. James’ Park, like as Javi Manquillo and Emil Krafth, Howe has largely succeeded in turning some of the previous regime’s rocks into gems, including Joelinton, Miguel Almiron, and Fabian Schar.

Nonetheless, Newcastle remains troubled by some of the choices made under Ashley’s leadership, most notably the sale of Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has flourished since leaving the Northeast of England.

Why Newcastle was sold Vladimir Mitrovic

After scoring twenty goals in a season for Anderlecht in the Belgian Pro League, Mitrovic moved to Newcastle for £13 million in 2015.

Regretfully, for the Serbian international wearing a Newcastle shirt, things never quite clicked. Mitrovic scored nine times goals in his debut campaign in England’s top flight but managed just five more with the Magpies throughout his two-and-a-half-year stay at the club.