The Daily Star Ireland
Newcastle United have officially submitted a bid to sign RB Leipzig’s forward Benjamin Sesko, as speculation intensifies around the future of current star striker Alexander Isak. The Premier League club is navigating a delicate situation, aiming to retain Isak while also reinforcing their attacking options with a high-profile addition.
€80M Offer for Sesko as Competition Heats Up
Reports suggest that Newcastle’s offer for Sesko is valued at up to €80 million (£69.7 million), indicating how serious the club is about securing the Slovenian international’s signature. Manchester United are also believed to be monitoring the 22-year-old, but Newcastle appear to be leading the race, especially following reports from Slovenia that Sesko favors a move to St James’ Park over Old Trafford.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, speaking at a press conference in Seoul ahead of a friendly against Tottenham, declined to comment directly on Sesko, stating he couldn’t speak about “individual targets.” Still, his comments about the club’s transfer approach hinted at the ambition behind the scenes.
“We’re targeting the highest quality players we can attract,” Howe said. “We’ve always focused on quality over quantity. It’s the only way to reach our goals.”
Isak’s Future in Doubt After Liverpool Bid
The push for Sesko comes shortly after Newcastle turned down a staggering €126 million (£110 million) bid from Liverpool for Alexander Isak. Liverpool had recently beaten Newcastle to the signing of Hugo Ekitike, further fueling tension in the transfer market.
Isak’s absence from Newcastle’s pre-season tour in Asia has added to the speculation. Officially sidelined with a “minor thigh injury,” his non-involvement has triggered rumors of discontent. In a surprising twist, manager Howe revealed that he only learned of Isak training with his former club, Real Sociedad, through media coverage.
“I know where he is, really, through the media,” Howe admitted. “The situation is far from ideal and quite complex.”
Despite the uncertainty, Howe expressed his continued support for the Swedish striker. “We still support Alex in every way, and my wish is that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.”
Transfer Strategy Amid a Challenging Window
Newcastle’s proactive bid for Sesko is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the squad amid what Howe described as a difficult transfer window. The club has faced setbacks in pursuing various targets for “lots of different reasons,” but remains firmly committed to building a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
“We’re still in the market for top players and won’t stop trying until the window closes,” Howe confirmed. “It’s been challenging, but we’ve recruited well so far.”
Should Sesko’s move go through, it would mark a significant statement from Newcastle, especially as they seek to maintain momentum in both domestic and European competitions. Whether the bid succeeds or Isak ultimately stays, the next few weeks promise to be pivotal for the Magpies.
