Newcastle considering making move for £68m “monster”, he’s even better than Sesko
The summer transfer window has erupted into chaos for Newcastle United, marking a dramatic shift from the early weeks of quiet speculation.
The Magpies’ £55 million acquisition of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest appears to have been just the opening act in what’s developing into a high-stakes drama at St. James’ Park.
At the heart of Newcastle’s current turmoil sits Alexander Isak, whose desire to join Premier League champions Liverpool has created seismic waves through the club’s hierarchy.
The Reds’ £110 million bid – swiftly rejected by Newcastle – felt less like a genuine attempt at negotiation and more like a calculated move to unsettle the Swedish striker.
Eddie Howe now faces his toughest challenge yet as Newcastle’s manager, working alongside new technical director Sudarshan Gopaladesikan to navigate these treacherous waters.
The potential loss of their talismanic number nine would test any club’s resolve, but Newcastle appear determined to turn this crisis into an opportunity.
With Isak’s departure looking increasingly likely, Newcastle have identified two primary targets to fill the impending void:
| Target | Club | Age | 2024/25 Stats | Estimated Fee | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Šeško | RB Leipzig | 22 | 13 goals | £68m | Athleticism, potential |
| Samu Aghehowa | FC Porto | 21 | 19 goals | £68m | Clinical finishing, physicality |
The club has already submitted a formal offer for Šeško, but faces stiff competition from Manchester United. Meanwhile, their renewed interest in Porto’s Samu Aghehowa presents an intriguing alternative that might actually represent better value.
The Case for Aghehowa
The 21-year-old Spanish striker has been turning heads across Europe with his remarkable 2024/25 campaign:
- 27 goals in all competitions
- 0.71 goals per 90 minutes (top 14% of European strikers)
- 6 Europa League goals including a brace against Manchester United
- 19 league goals – more than any other U21 player in Europe’s top leagues
What makes Aghehowa particularly appealing is his proven ability to perform on multiple stages. Unlike Šeško, who remains somewhat unproven despite his obvious talent, Aghehowa has demonstrated his scoring prowess in both Portugal’s Liga and European competition.
Standing at 6’3″, Aghehowa combines his imposing frame with surprising technical ability. His performances against Manchester United in last season’s Europa League showcased all his best qualities:
- Won 5 aerial duels
- Completed 3 successful dribbles
- Scored two well-taken goals
- Covered nearly 11 kilometers of ground
These attributes suggest he could adapt quickly to the physical demands of Premier League football, potentially offering a more complete package than Šeško at this stage of their respective developments.
While Šeško undoubtedly possesses enormous potential, Newcastle’s immediate needs might be better served by Aghehowa’s more proven goalscoring pedigree.
The Porto striker’s combination of physical dominance and clinical finishing mirrors many of the qualities that made Isak so effective for the Magpies.
With Eddie Howe’s proven track record of developing young talent, either striker would likely flourish at St. James’ Park.
However, Aghehowa’s superior goal output and experience against English opposition in Europe gives him the edge in what promises to be a pivotal decision for Newcastle’s future.
As the transfer window drama unfolds, one thing is certain: Newcastle’s recruitment team faces one of their most consequential decisions in recent memory.
The right choice could soften the blow of Isak’s departure and potentially unearth a new star to lead the line for years to come.