As transfer season heats up, Newcastle United is making big moves to reshape their attacking lineup.
With the future of star striker Alexander Isak looking uncertain, the club has made a bold, record-breaking bid to bring in RB Leipzig’s rising talent, Benjamin Sesko.
Planning for Life After Isak
Despite celebrating a successful season under Eddie Howe, which included a Champions League qualification, Newcastle’s transfer window hasn’t kicked off as smoothly as hoped.
Their current top scorer, Alexander Isak, is reportedly eager to move on—Liverpool being the likely next stop for the Swedish forward.
Isak’s desire to leave has pushed Newcastle into search mode.
And they’ve zeroed in on 21-year-old Slovenian sensation Benjamin Sesko as their ideal replacement.
Sesko Becomes Priority Target
On Saturday, Newcastle made their intentions crystal clear.
The club submitted a formal offer to RB Leipzig that includes a hefty £65.5 million upfront and an additional £4.4 million in potential add-ons.
That makes it the largest offer in Newcastle’s history.
But they’re not alone in the chase.
Manchester United has also been circling Sesko, with director of recruitment Christopher Vivell personally advocating for him.
Vivell, who worked with Sesko during his time at RB Salzburg, reportedly views the towering 6ft 4in forward as a future world-class striker.
Arsenal and United Were in the Mix
Arsenal had previously kept tabs on Sesko during their hunt for a new forward but ultimately signed Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon instead.
Meanwhile, Manchester United initially considered Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins before making Sesko their top priority.
Still, reports out of Slovenia suggest that Sesko is leaning toward a move to St. James’ Park, which could give Newcastle the edge in this highly competitive pursuit.
Isak Trains Alone Amid Exit Tensions
As speculation grows, Isak has been spotted training solo at his former club, Real Sociedad, after withdrawing from Newcastle’s pre-season tour citing a thigh issue.
Eddie Howe, surprisingly, wasn’t informed directly about the striker’s decision to return to Spain for rehab — he found out through the media.
“It’s not an ideal situation, and it’s pretty complicated,” Howe told Mail Sport during a stop in Seoul with the team.
Liverpool’s Bid Rejected — But Door Still Open?
Newcastle recently turned down a £110 million bid from Liverpool for Isak — a move that caught some club insiders off guard since it was £10 million less than Liverpool’s informal offer made weeks earlier.
The Reds reportedly won’t return with another bid, interpreting Newcastle’s rejection as a firm stance.
Nonetheless, Newcastle continues to value Isak at around £150 million, citing his 54 Premier League goals since joining the club in 2022 as evidence of his worth.
Howe Remains Hopeful for Isak’s Stay
Despite all the noise around Isak’s potential move, Howe hasn’t given up hope.
“We still fully support Alex,” he said. “I’d love to see him in a Newcastle shirt again.”
Still, the club is firm — no deal will be finalised unless they secure a quality replacement. That’s why they’re going all-in on Sesko.
Sesko’s Stats Show He’s Ready
RB Leipzig signed Sesko from Red Bull Salzburg in 2023 and reportedly have a gentleman’s agreement to let him leave if a fair offer comes through.
With 21 goals last season and 16 goals in 41 games for Slovenia, Sesko has already proven himself at both club and international levels.
His blend of power, pace, and technical finesse has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland — making him an exciting and logical replacement for Isak.
What’s Next for the Magpies?
With tensions rising and money on the table, the coming days could determine whether Newcastle moves forward with Sesko or continues its search.
One thing’s clear: they’re not planning to let Isak go without a solid Plan B in place — and Sesko might just be the solution they need.