Newcastle United are weighing up a potential move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko amid growing uncertainty over the future of star forward Alexander Isak. The Magpies have identified the 22-year-old Slovenian international as a key target should Isak make a surprise exit this summer.
Isak was notably absent from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia, with the club citing a “minor thigh injury” as the official reason. However, sources suggest that the striker is currently assessing his options, with Liverpool reportedly keeping close tabs on the Swedish attacker.
Sesko, who netted 13 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, has already drawn interest from Premier League giants including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea. Although Arsenal initially pursued him, they have since turned their focus to Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Newcastle are understood to be holding back any formal approach for Sesko until Isak’s situation is fully clarified. Losing Isak, who scored 27 goals in 42 games across all competitions last season, would be a major blow to Eddie Howe’s attacking plans, especially following the departure of Callum Wilson earlier this month.
Currently, 21-year-old Will Osula remains the only fit and experienced striker in the squad, having scored just twice in 19 appearances last season. Club captain Bruno Guimaraes voiced the team’s desire to keep Isak, emphasizing his quality and importance. “He is an excellent striker, and his record speaks for itself. As far as I know, he’s staying behind due to injury and treatment,” Guimaraes said.
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Teammate Dan Burn also warned that losing key players at this stage would disrupt the “tight-knit group” that brought success last season.
Newcastle are preparing for a demanding 2025/26 campaign after a historic season that saw them break a 70-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup and securing a Champions League spot with a fifth-place Premier League finish.
Despite the success, Newcastle’s transfer window has been underwhelming. Top targets Joao Pedro and Liam Delap opted for Chelsea, while Hugo Ekitike chose a move to Liverpool. So far, the only major addition to Howe’s side is Anthony Elanga, who arrived from Nottingham Forest in a £55 million deal.
Newcastle’s interest in Brentford forward Yoane Wissa remains strong, regardless of Isak’s final decision. The DR Congo international appears open to a move after leaving Brentford’s pre-season camp in Portugal earlier this week.
Meanwhile, turbulence behind the scenes continues. Paul Mitchell, who became the club’s sporting director in July 2024, exited just 11 months into the role, a development that has added more questions to Newcastle’s summer strategy.
With Champions League football returning to St. James’ Park, pressure is mounting on Newcastle to strengthen their squad and maintain momentum. In his end-of-season address on May 25, Howe assured fans that the club would not be hampered by Financial Fair Play constraints and pledged swift action in the transfer market.
But with time ticking and Isak’s future unresolved, the Magpies face a pivotal moment, one that could define their next chapter both domestically and in Europe.
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