Newcastle submit enquiry for £33m Sesko alternative who made the Ballon d’Or top 30

The ongoing transfer saga surrounding Benjamin Šeško has taken another dramatic turn, with Newcastle United reportedly shifting their attention toward Serie A forward Artem Dovbyk as contingency plans intensify.

The Magpies find themselves at a critical juncture in their summer recruitment strategy, facing the sobering reality that their primary target may ultimately choose Manchester United despite Newcastle’s Champions League football and ambitious project.

This potential setback marks yet another chapter in what has become an increasingly frustrating transfer window for Eddie Howe’s side, forcing them to explore alternative options with the Premier League season fast approaching.

Šeško’s apparent preference for Old Trafford over St James’ Park represents more than just a simple rejection—it underscores growing concerns about Newcastle’s ability to compete with established giants in the transfer market.

The Slovenian striker would join Hugo Ekitike and James Trafford on the list of high-profile targets to snub Newcastle this summer, raising legitimate questions about the club’s pulling power despite their recent on-field successes.

While Champions League qualification and the Carabao Cup triumph were meant to herald a new era of recruitment, the reality has proven far more challenging, with wage structures and project uncertainty seemingly hampering their efforts.

In response to these mounting challenges, Newcastle’s recruitment team has cast their net wider, identifying Dovbyk as a potentially shrewd alternative.

The Ukrainian international, who earned Ballon d’Or recognition last season, presents an intriguing option at a reported €38 million (£33 million)—significantly cheaper than Šeško’s £69 million valuation.

Statistical comparisons reveal surprising parallels between the two forwards, with Dovbyk marginally outperforming Šeško in expected goals metrics while offering similar overall output.

His proven track record in Serie A and international football suggests he could provide immediate impact, though questions linger about his fitness after a disrupted pre-season with Roma.

The potential pursuit of Dovbyk reflects Newcastle’s need to balance short-term requirements with long-term planning.

At 28 years old, the Ukrainian represents a more finished product compared to Šeško’s untapped potential, offering Eddie Howe a reliable goal threat while younger alternatives continue developing.

Italian legend Daniele De Rossi’s description of Dovbyk as a “great finisher” underscores his technical qualities, but the striker’s age profile does raise valid concerns about resale value and longevity—factors that cannot be ignored given Newcastle’s financial constraints under Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Parallel to their interest in Dovbyk, Newcastle have also registered serious interest in Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, whose situation has become increasingly intriguing due to Villa’s own PSR concerns.

The England international would represent a more ambitious coup, possessing proven Premier League pedigree and the versatility to lead Newcastle’s line for years to come.

Should Šeško finalize his move to Manchester United, Newcastle may find themselves as frontrunners for Watkins by default—a silver lining in what has otherwise been a challenging recruitment period.

The broader context of Newcastle’s striker search reveals the delicate balancing act facing the club’s hierarchy. While Šeško embodied the ideal profile—young, dynamic, and brimming with potential Dovbyk and Watkins present contrasting solutions to the same fundamental problem.

The Ukrainian offers cost-effective reliability, while the Villa star would command a premium fee for guaranteed top-flight production.

Neither represents the long-term visionary signing Šeško would have been, but both could help bridge the gap while Newcastle address more systemic issues in their recruitment approach.

What remains abundantly clear is that Newcastle cannot afford further hesitation in the market. With the Premier League opener looming, the squad requires reinforcements to build upon last season’s achievements and navigate the demands of European football.

Dovbyk’s availability at a reduced price creates an opportunity to allocate funds elsewhere, potentially strengthening other key areas such as central defense or wide positions.

However, the club must also weigh whether compromising on their initial vision for a younger, developmental striker could hinder their progress in future windows.

The coming days will prove pivotal in determining Newcastle’s direction. Should Šeško formally commit to Manchester United, the Magpies must decide whether to trigger moves for Dovbyk, intensify their Watkins pursuit, or explore other alternatives entirely.

Each pathway carries distinct risks and rewards, with no obvious perfect solution emerging from what has become an increasingly complex puzzle.

One thing remains certain—Newcastle’s ability to navigate these challenges will define their season before a ball has even been kicked.

As the transfer window enters its decisive phase, Newcastle find themselves at a crossroads. The initial optimism surrounding PIF’s takeover has given way to the harsh realities of elite football recruitment, where financial muscle alone cannot guarantee success.

Their response to the Šeško setback whether through Dovbyk, Watkins, or another target entirely—will reveal much about the club’s adaptability and ambition in the face of growing competition.

For Eddie Howe and his players, the focus must now shift to securing viable alternatives who can maintain momentum rather than lamenting the ones that got away.

The Magpies’ summer business hangs in the balance, but opportunity remains to salvage a window that has thus far failed to live up to expectations.

Whether through Dovbyk’s proven quality or Watkins’ Premier League pedigree, Newcastle must act decisively to ensure their progress on the pitch isn’t undermined by shortcomings off it.

The clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher for a club determined to establish itself among England’s elite.