Newcastle United are exploring alternatives to Benjamin Sesko after learning that the RB Leipzig striker prefers to join Manchester United. – The Magpies will be left with big money with a sale of Swedish superstar Alexander Isak, some of which will have to be spent on a replacement.
Newcastle’s summer transfer plans have taken another dramatic turn after Slovenian talent Sesko informed the club that he would prefer a move to Manchester United. The 22-year-old Bundesliga striker, who has been a key target for Eddie Howe’s side, favours Old Trafford, forcing the Magpies to look towards other options in their quest to bolster their attacking line.
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Sources indicate that Newcastle still expect star striker Alexander Isak to leave the club in this transfer window – with interest from Liverpool and top clubs in Europe – and Howe wants to bring in not one, but two new attackers to ensure depth and punch in the upcoming Premier League season.
A possible exit for Isak, valued at over £130 million (€149 million / $173 million), would provide significant funds, but the club is keen to act quickly before the August deadline.
At the top of the revised goal list is Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who has expressed a desire to leave Brentford and is enthusiastic about a move to St. James’ Park.
The 28-year-old DR Congo international, known for his speed and lethal finish, could become available for around £40 million (€46 million / $53 million), making him an attractive, immediate option. The negotiations are expected to accelerate given Wissa’s interest.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who is coming off a brilliant season and a good performance for England at the Euros, is another high-profile name. However, Villa are reluctant to part ways with their main player without securing a suitable replacement, complicating any deal.
Watkins’ renowned Premier League performances would be a bargain, but Newcastle may need to make a bid of over £50 million (€57 million / $66.5 million) to test Unai Emery’s decision-making ability.
Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is also a prominent option, with his youth and versatility as a 24-year-old. But his uneven form could make him a riskier choice.
Young talent Samu Aghehowa, the 21-year-old Porto striker, offers raw potential after an impressive spell in Portugal, while RB Leipzig’s Lois Openda completes the list. The 25-year-old Belgian speedster has impressed in the Bundesliga, but Leipzig are determined not to lose both Openda and Sesko in the same window, and are likely to demand a price above £60 million (€69 million / $80 million).
Howe’s ambitions reflect Newcastle’s development after the acquisition, with the aim of challenging the elite. As the transfer window intensifies, the Magpies’ ability to deal with these challenges – club reluctance, player desires and Financial Fair Play – will define their season.
The fans are eagerly awaiting, hoping for a double striker signing to show real intentions, and they need to bring in players to turn around a very difficult transfer window.
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Newcastle keen to look for a new No. 9
TEAMtalks transfer correspondent Dean Jones revealed on Tuesday that both Newcastle and Man Utd have identified Villas Watkins as a backup plan if one of the clubs does not get Sesko.
The two clubs trade in the same striker market, as Man Utd considered both Jackson and Watkins before deciding on Sesko as their main target.
Newcastle have had a bid for Sesko accepted, but Man Utd have increased their own bid and also agreed personal terms with the goalscorer.
Newcastle have already missed out on other top players such as Hugo Ekitike, Bryan Mbeumo, Dean Huijsen and Joao Pedro, and Sesko could be the last to choose another club.
Newcastle transfer news: Isak update; new goal
At the same time, you can read the latest news on Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak here.
Newcastle have enquired about a Red Bull Salzburg player.
They face competition from clubs such as Crystal Palace and Leipzig for the talent worth €25 million.
Newcastle have had a frustrating transfer window and have missed out on several goalkeepers they wanted to sign.
“My wish was for us to make our transfers early and we definitely tried, but it didn’t happen,” Eddie Howe admitted in July. “We have had a frustrating period in terms of losing goalkeepers to other clubs. I’m very open about it.”
“It has happened several times. You just have to accept it. For a transfer to work, in my opinion, the player has to be desperate to come to your club. If we don’t get it, the transition won’t work.”
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So who are the players who weren’t desperate to come to Newcastle?
Dean Huijsen – Newcastle were one of many clubs that became aware of Huijsen after his impressive debut season in the Premier League with Bournemouth, but they had little chance of competing with Real Madrid as he had decided on a £50 million move to the Bernabéu.
“I wanted to be here from day one,” Huijsen said during his presentation. “Since Madrid contacted me, I didn’t have eyes for any other team… I’m coming to the best club in the world.”
Liam Delap – Relegated from the Premier League with Ipswich Town, Delap became available via a £30 million release clause. Chelsea won the battle for his signature.
“You just have to follow your boyish feeling and hope it works out,” Delap said of his decision. “There are so many factors that come into play: I have a good relationship with the manager. I know how he plays. I’ve played in this system before.”
Matheus Cunha – Newcastle thought they had an advantage in the battle for Cunha thanks to Champions League qualification, but Man Utd without European games beat them to it. Available for his £62.5 million release clause, Cunha opted for Old Trafford.
“Maybe outside, I think maybe my decision, they don’t understand,” the former Wolves striker said. “But when you’ve always dreamed of playing here, it’s easier to make that decision.”
Bryan Mbeumo – Mbeumo was a top target for Newcastle, although they eventually became concerned that he would be too expensive. Like Cunha, he made a move to Man Utd instead, ending his successful spell with Brentford.
“From the start, I wanted to join this massive club,” the winger insisted after the transfer.
Joao Pedro – Newcastle made a bid for Pedro at the end of June, worth around £50 million, but Brighton turned it down. Chelsea then came up with a £60 million package, which was accepted.
“I think Chelsea is a big club and my dream was always to play for a big club and win trophies,” the striker explained. “Chelsea have a good team, a young team, and I think that’s why I came here.”
Hugo Ekitike – A Newcastle target since their first transfer window under Saudi ownership, Ekitike got back on the club’s radar this summer, and they saw a club-record bid of £70 million fail.
Instead, Liverpool won the battle for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, who would have been an ideal replacement for Alexander Isak – who, to make matters worse, has been the subject of Liverpool’s next approach for the attacking department.
“It’s the best team in England and one of the best teams in the world. So yes, it was Liverpool,” Ekitike explained.
James Trafford – Identified as Newcastle’s ideal long-term target for the goalkeeper position, Trafford was the subject of a £27 million bid from the Magpies. However, Manchester City had matching rights as part of the deal they struck when they sold him to Burnley.
City eventually made their own bid for Trafford, preferring to stay in the northwest and returning to the club where he came from the academy.
“I’ve always dreamed that one day I would be able to come back to Manchester City,” Trafford explained. “This is the place I call home – it’s a really special football club with amazing people who make it a unique place to work and play.”
Benjamin Sesko – Newcastle were the first to make a bid in the battle with Man Utd for Sesko – in fact, they made a second bid – but after being open to both suggestions, the striker’s preference for the Red Devils has started to seep through.
