Just when Newcastle fans were starting to get excited about the new season, a major curveball has landed—star striker Alexander Isak is reportedly considering a move away from St James’ Park.
And with Liverpool circling and preparing a jaw-dropping offer, the Magpies have quickly shifted into planning mode.
Isak Left Off the Pre-Season Tour Sparks Transfer Buzz
The drama began when Alexander Isak was left out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour of the Far East.
That move immediately raised eyebrows, and now we know why.
According to Mail Sport’s Craig Hope, Isak has told the club he’s open to exploring his options this summer, which has put several top clubs, including Liverpool, on high alert.
Isak still has three years left on his current contract, and while Newcastle would prefer to keep him, the player’s camp isn’t rushing to negotiate a new deal.
The club’s CEO, Darren Eales, had hinted back in March that fresh talks could take place after the season, but as it stands, Isak’s focus appears to be elsewhere.
Liverpool Prepare Monster Bid as Newcastle Brace Themselves
Reports suggest Liverpool are readying a British-record offer for the Swedish international—somewhere in the region of £150 million.
While Newcastle would rather not sell, that kind of money, combined with Isak’s own ambitions, could speed up a potential move before the summer window closes.
To complicate things, Isak missed last weekend’s 4–0 loss to Celtic.
Officially, the club says it’s due to a minor thigh injury and an effort to manage his playing time.
But with all the swirling speculation, many believe his absence has more to do with his uncertain future.
Benjamin Sesko Emerges as Potential Isak Replacement
In light of all this, Newcastle are reportedly lining up a move for Benjamin Sesko, the rising Slovenian star currently playing for RB Leipzig.
The 21-year-old has long been on Newcastle’s radar, and with Isak’s departure now a real possibility, the club may finally make their move.
Sesko isn’t exactly an unknown. He’s already racked up 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig and signed a contract extension last summer that runs through to 2029.
Interestingly, that new deal removed a previous £55 million release clause, meaning Newcastle will have to negotiate if they want to get him.
From Salzburg Prodigy to Bundesliga Breakout Star
Sesko first made waves at RB Salzburg, where he scored 29 goals in 79 games before moving to Germany in 2023.
He’s also shown promise on the European stage, netting six goals in 28 Champions League matches.
For his country, he’s contributed 16 goals in 41 caps for Slovenia, underlining his potential as a future star.
Though Arsenal were once linked with him, the Gunners chose to go after Viktor Gyökeres instead, leaving the door slightly ajar for Newcastle to swoop in.
Magpies Miss Out on Ekitike and Wissa as Search Intensifies
Sesko isn’t the only striker Newcastle have looked at.
They were also in the running for Hugo Ekitike, but Liverpool beat them to it with a £79 million signing.
Meanwhile, an offer for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa was turned down.
The club has managed to bring in Anthony Elanga this summer, but with Isak potentially on the way out, more firepower up front is definitely needed.
What Comes Next for Newcastle?
For now, Newcastle’s stance is to keep Isak—at least unless an outrageous offer comes in.
Coach Eddie Howe is believed to be reluctant to lose the player he helped develop into one of the world’s most in-demand strikers, with 62 goals in 109 games under his belt for the Magpies.
But the situation is moving fast. If Liverpool or another club meets Newcastle’s valuation—and if Isak pushes for the move—the Magpies may be forced to act sooner rather than later.
And in that case, expect Benjamin Sesko to be at the top of their shopping list.