Benjamin Sesko transfer bid update as Newcastle handed striker boost
The final weeks of the summer transfer window promise frenetic activity at St James’ Park, with Newcastle United actively pursuing multiple attacking options to bolster Eddie Howe’s frontline.
As August progresses, the Magpies find themselves embroiled in complex negotiations for two of Europe’s most sought-after forwards Benjamin Šeško and Ollie Watkins—while simultaneously fending off interest in their own star striker Alexander Isak.
Newcastle’s ambitious £65.5 million bid for RB Leipzig’s Šeško, comprising an initial £60 million with £5.5 million in potential add-ons, has failed to meet the German club’s valuation.
Leipzig’s insistence on a higher base fee coupled with a substantial sell-on clause presents a significant hurdle, compounded by Manchester United’s persistent interest in the Slovenian international.
Šeško’s exceptional physical attributes standing 6’4″ with explosive acceleration make him an ideal candidate to lead Newcastle’s attack, but the club must now decide whether to improve their offer or explore alternatives.
The situation grows more intricate when considering Aston Villa’s surprising openness to selling Ollie Watkins.
Reports indicate Villa may sacrifice their 28-year-old talisman to fund a move for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, presenting Newcastle with an unexpected opportunity to secure proven Premier League quality.
Watkins’ credentials are impeccable—16 league goals last season combined with intelligent link-up play—but his age and Villa’s £60 million asking price raise questions about long-term value.
Comparative Analysis of Newcastle’s Striker Targets
| Metric | Benjamin Šeško | Ollie Watkins |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 21 | 28 |
| 2023/24 Goals | 13 (Bundesliga) | 16 (Premier League) |
| Contract Expiry | 2028 | 2027 |
| Estimated Fee | £70m+ | £60m |
| Premier League Exp | None | 4 seasons |
| Aerial Duels Won | 3.1 per 90 | 2.4 per 90 |
This unfolding drama occurs against the backdrop of Liverpool’s determined pursuit of Alexander Isak. Newcastle’s rejection of a £110 million bid demonstrates their resolve to retain the Swedish striker, though his conspicuous absence from pre-season tours suggests underlying tensions.
Should Isak depart, the urgency to secure a replacement would intensify dramatically, potentially forcing Newcastle to meet Leipzig’s demands for Šeško or match Villa’s valuation for Watkins.
Complicating matters further is the financial landscape Newcastle must navigate. While the Saudi-backed ownership possesses considerable resources, Profit and Sustainability Regulations necessitate careful structuring of any major deals.
The potential acquisition of Šeško—a player with resale potential—may prove more palatable than investing heavily in Watkins, whose transfer value would inevitably decline over time.
Manchester United’s involvement adds another layer of competition. The Red Devils’ ability to offer Champions League football gives them an edge in negotiations, though their own financial constraints could limit bidding wars.
Newcastle’s project—centered on Eddie Howe’s progressive style and the club’s upward trajectory—remains an attractive proposition, but may not outweigh the lure of Old Trafford for ambitious players.
As the September 1 deadline approaches, several scenarios could unfold:
- Šeško Signs – Newcastle improve their offer to Leipzig’s satisfaction, securing a long-term successor to Isak while maintaining financial flexibility.
- Watkins Arrives – A safer short-term option providing immediate goals, but with limited resale value.
- Status Quo – Isak stays, Šeško joins Manchester United, and Newcastle enter the season with their current striking options.
The coming days will reveal Newcastle’s true ambitions. Their willingness to break their transfer record for Šeško suggests bold intentions, but practical considerations may dictate a more measured approach.
One certainty remains—the Magpies’ attacking lineup will look markedly different by September, whether through high-profile arrivals, unexpected departures, or both.
For Eddie Howe, the priority is ensuring his squad isn’t left short-handed regardless of how these sagas conclude.
With Champions League football returning to St James’ Park, the need for depth and quality across the frontline has never been more pressing.
The decisions made in these final weeks of the window could define Newcastle’s season and their ability to establish themselves among England’s elite.