Managing Newcastle as Benjamin Sesko call made and Eddie Howe performs £40M pivot

Newcastle United have had a rather subdued summer transfer window, with just one major signing despite lofty ambitions and pressing needs across the squad.

Eddie Howe, who guided the club to Champions League football just last season, finds himself juggling a host of concerns including the uncertain future of Alexander Isak, the struggle to sign a new goalkeeper, and the challenge of refreshing an aging defense.

At the heart of the club’s transfer dealings lies a clear intention: strengthen strategically, even if resources are stretched and key targets become elusive.

The £55 million arrival of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest was a welcome injection of pace and energy to the frontline.

Yet, with several transfer targets slipping through the cracks—most notably Hugo Ekitike who now appears headed for Liverpool—Howe and his team are being forced to recalibrate.

Isak’s future, too, has cast a shadow, especially following interest from Liverpool. His absence during the club’s recent 4-0 pre-season defeat to Celtic only fanned the flames of speculation.

Howe admitted that the Swede was left at home to avoid unnecessary scrutiny, stating that the decision was mutual and stemmed from ongoing conversations about his future.

In the meantime, Newcastle have re-entered the race for Burnley’s James Trafford, a goalkeeper they pursued last summer but missed out on due to Profit and Sustainability Rule constraints.

Trafford had a sensational season in the Championship, but his Premier League debut campaign didn’t go as planned.

Despite this, he remains on the club’s radar, though Manchester City’s interest—thanks to a buy-back clause could complicate matters.

As an alternative, Newcastle have identified Lille’s Lucas Chevalier, who impressed in Ligue 1 last season and was named the division’s best goalkeeper.

At 23, Chevalier represents not only quality but also longevity, and his £40 million valuation could make him a worthwhile investment if Trafford slips away again.

Defensively, the need for younger talent is pressing. With the majority of their backline now over 30 and Sven Botman struggling with recurring knee injuries, Newcastle are casting a wide net.

Juventus defender Nicola Savona is believed to be the top choice. Though sidelined with an ankle injury, his performances last season and his versatility—switching from right back to center back—make him a viable long-term prospect.

A bid in the region of £20 million may be enough to pry him away from Turin. Should that fall through, alternatives include Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini and Valencia’s Cesar Tarrega, both of whom are under 24 and offer high upside.

On the attacking front, the club has faced multiple setbacks. Newcastle’s latest attempt to sign Ekitike marked their third try to land the striker, but Frankfurt rejected a £70 million bid outright.

With the Frenchman Liverpool-bound, the search has intensified. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has emerged as a potential target, although complications arise with his teammate Bryan Mbeumo reportedly nearing a £71 million move to Manchester United.

Brentford, understandably, are reluctant to lose both attackers in a single window. Tottenham have also shown interest in Wissa, with the prospect of a reunion with Thomas Frank further clouding the race.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has now risen to the top of the wishlist. Valued at £78 million, the Slovenian was initially expected to join Arsenal before the Gunners shifted focus to Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Newcastle, in need of a marquee striker and possibly a long-term Isak replacement, might be willing to meet the steep asking price.

While that figure seems daunting, the strategic benefit of pairing him with Isak—or replacing him outright if circumstances dictate—may justify the outlay.

Sesko’s potential to grow into a world-class forward makes him a tantalizing option, especially in a market where elite strikers are both rare and expensive.

Howe’s comments on Isak suggest a manager keen to maintain professionalism amid a storm of speculation.

He emphasized mutual respect and acknowledged the noise surrounding the situation, but hinted that no final decision has been made. Given Liverpool’s focus on Ekitike, Isak may yet remain a Magpie, giving Newcastle a potent attacking duo should Sesko arrive.

This summer, Newcastle’s transfer dealings have been anything but straightforward. Financial constraints, rival interest, and player uncertainty have all conspired to complicate their plans.

But with calculated moves and persistence, the club still has time to reshape the squad and deliver the reinforcements Howe desperately needs.

Whether through the signing of a high-potential goalkeeper, a young defender ready to anchor the backline for years to come, or a striker capable of taking the pressure off Isak or replacing him entirely—the Magpies still have a chance to turn a slow summer into one of smart, transformative progress.