Newcastle qualified for the Champions League with a cry of distress by securing 5th place in the Premier League, a qualification that experts believed would make it more likely that the club’s giant superstar Alexander Isak would stay at St James’ Park.
Alexander Isak has sent shockwaves through Newcastle this week, after reportedly informing the club that he wants to explore other options in this transfer window – which threatens to undermine Eddie Howe’s plans for the 2025/26 season.
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The Swedish striker, who has just finished a superb Premier League season with 23 goals, has attracted a lot of interest from Liverpool this summer. According to reports, the Reds are preparing a record-breaking bid, despite having recently signed Hugo Ekitike.
For a club aiming to establish itself as a regular Champions League contender, the loss of Isak could be catastrophic. That means Newcastle will have to find the perfect replacement to continue their development.
Here we look at potential candidates who can take over from Isak:
Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig)
Newcastle’s first choice if Isak leaves the club is reportedly RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško. The 22-year-old, who scored 21 goals last season, has already attracted interest from several top European clubs.
Šeško shares several similarities with Isak – he is 1.94 m tall, fast, strong and technically skilled. While a transfer could cost over £60m for a striker who is still developing, Newcastle took a similar risk when they signed Isak in 2022.
Lois Openda (RB Leipzig)
During scouting of Šeško, Newcastle have also been impressed by his teammate Lois Openda. The Belgian has scored 41 goals in 90 appearances for Leipzig since 2023 and offers a different type of striker profile to Isak – with lightning-fast speed and clinical finishing ability.
If Newcastle want to sign two strikers, Openda could be part of a new attacking duo. A transfer could cost around £50 million, with Inter Milan also interested.
Yoane Wissa (Brentford)
Newcastle have already shown concrete interest in Wissa, who scored 19 Premier League goals last year following the departure of Ivan Toney. Brentford are reluctant to sell, but could be persuaded for around £40 million.
Wissa’s flexibility and Premier League experience make him a safe investment.
Randal Kolo Muani (Juventus)
The French striker impressed on loan at Juventus with 10 goals and 3 assists in 22 games. Although he has been linked with transfers less often this summer, he could be an ideal replacement for Isak thanks to his physical strength and technical abilities.
However, Newcastle will face stiff competition for his signature.
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Conclusion:
If Isak leaves, Newcastle have several exciting options to consider – from young talents like Šeško to more experienced players like Wissa. Either way, it will be a costly, but necessary, replacement to maintain the club’s goal threat.
