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Newcastle United is appearing to be stuttering in their pursuit of a suitable striker. Callum Wilson left their side on free transfer earlier this month and 21-year-old Will Osula, who registered twice in 19 outings last term, is the one of the couple of strikers available to them. Their reinforcement drive fell short as Joao Pedro and Liam Delap joined Chelsea, while Hugo Ekitike preferred a move to Liverpool. Forward Anthony Elanga is the only new addition to the Magpies after completing a £55 million switch from Nottingham Forest. Recent reports claim that their star striker Alexander Isak is also considering his future at the club amid recent interest from Liverpool.
The Magpies have identified RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as a prime candidate to replace Alexander Isak should he depart St James’ Park this summer, according to multiple reports. Benjamin Sesko, a 22-year-old Slovenian international, has been on Newcastle’s radar reportedly since 2022, when they first attempted to sign him from Red Bull Salzburg.
Now at RB Leipzig, Sesko has established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards. Last season, Sesko scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, including 13 in the Bundesliga, despite Leipzig’s disappointing seventh-place finish.
Alexander Isak is considered as a pivotal cog in the attacking unit of Newcastle United
This development comes as Isak, who scored an impressive 23 Premier League goals last season, has reportedly expressed a desire to explore new opportunities, prompting Newcastle to prepare for a worst-case scenario. Isak’s absence from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia, officially attributed to a minor thigh problem, has fueled speculation, with The Athletic reporting that the decision was influenced by the player’s preference amid transfer uncertainty. The 25-year-old has been a cornerstone of Newcastle’s attack since joining from Real Sociedad in August 2022 for a reported £60 million. His 27 goals across all competitions last season, including a crucial strike in the Carabao Cup final, helped secure Newcastle’s first domestic trophy in 70 years.
Eddie Howe faces a delicate balancing act as the transfer window progresses. Retaining Isak while adding depth to the squad remains the ideal scenario, but Sesko’s emergence as a viable replacement offers a glimmer of optimism. The Slovenian’s youth, physical attributes, and goal-scoring pedigree align with Howe’s high-pressing system, potentially ensuring Newcastle’s attacking potency remains intact. As the transfer window nears its climax, Newcastle’s hierarchy must navigate these complexities with precision. A successful sale of Isak could provide the funds to secure Sesko and further strengthen the squad, but it might risk disrupting team cohesion.
