Newcastle United are reportedly exploring a move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, as concerns grow over the potential departure of star forward Alexander Isak this summer. Isak has not joined the Magpies on their pre-season tour of Asia, with reports indicating he is considering his future at the club amid interest from Liverpool.
Sesko, a 22-year-old Slovenia international, was previously a target for Arsenal before they shifted their focus to Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea were also monitoring the striker earlier in the transfer window. Newcastle’s pursuit of Sesko, who scored 13 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, is contingent on Isak’s exit.
Newcastle has stated that Isak’s absence from the pre-season squad is due to a “minor thigh injury.” However, comments from within the club suggest underlying tensions. Teammate Dan Burn told Sky Sports that losing any player at this stage would “upset a tight-knit group,” while captain Bruno Guimaraes emphasized the club’s desire to “keep our best players.” Guimaraes added, “He is a top striker, his [record over the] last three seasons speaks by itself, he’s a top player. But as far as I know he just stayed there because of his injury, his treatment with the club.”
Isak was a pivotal player for Newcastle last season, netting 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions. His departure would leave a significant void in the team’s attacking options.
Striker Shortage and Executive Turmoil
The potential loss of Isak comes after Callum Wilson left St James’ Park on a free transfer earlier this month, leaving 21-year-old Will Osula as the only other senior striker available to manager Eddie Howe.
Former Magpies striker Alan Shearer highlighted the potential damage of losing Isak: “It will be hugely damaging for Newcastle to lose Isak. Ultimately if they can’t persuade him to stay for at least one more season then you have to get the best deal for Newcastle and that’s towards £150m.” He added, “No player is bigger than the club and it would be a blow, but if you have to take the money and rebuild then that’s what you have to do. Say thanks for helping us win the Carabao Cup but off you go and we move on.”
Despite securing a return to the Champions League for the 2025-26 season, Newcastle has been slow in strengthening their squad this off-season. They have missed out on several targets, with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap joining Chelsea, and Hugo Ekitike opting for Liverpool. Forward Anthony Elanga is currently Howe’s sole new addition, having completed a £55 million switch from Nottingham Forest. A move for Yoane Wissa remains a top priority, even if Isak stays, with the DR Congo forward appearing open to the move after leaving Brentford’s pre-season base this week.
‘Too Much Change at Executive Level’
Last season was a triumph for Newcastle, ending a 70-year trophy drought with the Carabao Cup and securing Champions League football by finishing fifth. Howe had expressed optimism at the end of last season, confirming the club would not be hindered by Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and the need for quick market action. However, the reality has been starkly different.
Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales will step down after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer. Furthermore, sporting director Paul Mitchell announced his departure at the end of June, just two days after the season concluded, and the club has yet to appoint a replacement. In the interim, Howe, his nephew Andy, and head of recruitment Steve Nickson have taken charge of the search for new additions.
“There’s been too much change at executive level and they are short of people in those key roles,” stated Matthew Raisbeck, BBC Radio Newcastle reporter. “It means more work for Eddie Howe and really Newcastle should be taking the pressure off him so he can focus on coaching the team. This felt like it could be a transformative summer given the club are clear of the serious PSR issues they had last year. They have the ability to spend money but they haven’t managed to close deals.”
Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey echoed these concerns, telling BBC Radio Newcastle that the club is “lacking leadership at the moment.” Howey added, “Eddie Howe said acting fast in the window was key but it’s been a tough summer and this Alexander Isak situation is yet another problem causing more anxiety among the fanbase.”
With the transfer window progressing, will Newcastle manage to secure their targets and address their off-field issues, or will the uncertainty surrounding Isak and the executive changes continue to plague their summer?
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