Better finisher than Isak: Howe personally plotting Newcastle move to sign “strong” striker

Newcastle United have shifted their attention in the transfer market following their failed attempt to land Hugo Ekitike.

Once regarded as the top candidate to bolster Eddie Howe’s attacking options, Ekitike’s name dropped down the priority list when Liverpool entered the picture and gained the upper hand.

The Magpies have since begun evaluating more clinical and consistent alternatives, determined to make a meaningful impact before the new season begins.

The striker market remains vibrant, offering numerous viable options despite key targets slipping through Newcastle’s grasp. While Joao Pedro sealed a move to Chelsea and Ekitike now appears bound for Anfield, other prolific talents such as Victor Osimhen and Yoane Wissa are still attainable.

The challenge lies in identifying the right player who not only meets the club’s tactical needs but can also deliver goals with greater efficiency and reliability than the names previously pursued.

Frustration has begun to mount on Tyneside. Eddie Howe recently opened up about the strain the summer has placed on him and his staff, hinting at internal shifts that have complicated matters.

He expressed clear dissatisfaction over the limited progress made during the window, referencing the departure of Paul Mitchell and the ongoing complications surrounding the Sporting Director role.

These changes have created a ripple effect that impacted the club’s ability to close deals quickly and decisively. Howe acknowledged the demanding nature of the summer and the weight it placed on his shoulders, noting that although the arrival of Anthony Elanga has been a positive development, the club still faces an uphill climb in securing the reinforcements needed to compete effectively next season.

The ongoing restructuring behind the scenes has forced Howe to take a more hands-on approach to recruitment, and he seems determined not to let another key target slip away.

In the wake of Ekitike’s collapse, Newcastle appear to have identified a new primary target—Benjamin Sesko. Reports suggest Howe has personally endorsed the move for the 21-year-old RB Leipzig striker, instructing club executives to explore the possibility of signing him.

This interest is not new, as Newcastle had previously monitored the Serbian international’s progress. However, the urgency has now intensified.

Acquiring Sesko won’t come cheap, with Leipzig expected to demand a fee in the region of €90 million (£78 million), but there’s a growing belief at the club that he could justify the outlay. His profile fits Newcastle’s needs: young, prolific, athletic, and capable of leading the line with a mix of strength and finesse.

While Ekitike had slightly better raw statistics last season—15 goals and 8 assists compared to Sesko’s 13 goals and 5 assists—it’s the underlying numbers that truly set Sesko apart.

According to FBref data, Sesko significantly outperformed his expected goals (XG) by three, signaling a high level of efficiency in front of goal. In contrast, Ekitike underperformed his XG, raising questions about his finishing ability and consistency under pressure.

Sesko’s superior conversion rate suggests that, given a team that creates more opportunities, his goal tally could rise significantly.

Former RB Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell once described Sesko as one of the most exciting young forwards in world football.

He highlighted the striker’s unique blend of attributes, noting his speed, aerial dominance, agility, and technical prowess despite standing at 6’4”. Vivell’s assessment paints a clear picture of a complete modern striker who combines physical presence with intelligent movement and sharp finishing a player who can spearhead an attack and adapt to various tactical systems.

This blend of attributes makes Sesko a standout prospect, and one Newcastle believe can thrive under Howe’s guidance.

As Newcastle continue to reshape their squad and navigate a complicated transfer window, landing a player of Sesko’s caliber would not only boost their offensive capabilities but also send a strong message about the club’s ambitions.

The opportunity to bring in a more reliable, clinical forward than Ekitike now seems within reach, and all eyes are on St. James’ Park to see whether this pursuit can finally deliver the cutting-edge striker the team desperately needs.