Newcastle open first talks to sign “the new Haaland”, he’d be a better move than Wissa
As Newcastle United’s pre-season tour stumbles from one disappointing result to another, the urgency to secure a top-class striker has reached critical levels.
Back-to-back defeats against Celtic and Arsenal have exposed the team’s attacking deficiencies, particularly with Alexander Isak’s future hanging in the balance.
While Yoane Wissa initially emerged as a potential solution, recent developments suggest Eddie Howe’s recruitment team has set their sights on a more ambitious target – RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, the Slovenian prodigy earning comparisons to Erling Haaland for his explosive playing style.
The Magpies find themselves at a pivotal moment in their squad rebuild. Losing out on Hugo Ekitiké to Liverpool served as a sobering reminder of their financial limitations compared to the Premier League’s elite.
The collapsed Wissa deal, reportedly due to Brentford’s inflated £35 million valuation for a 28-year-old with diminishing resale value, further underscores the need for smarter investments. Šeško represents precisely that – a 22-year-old phenom whose €70 million (£61 million) price tag reflects both his current ability and sky-high potential.
A comparative analysis of Šeško and Wissa’s 2024/25 campaigns reveals intriguing insights:
| Metric | Benjamin Šeško | Yoane Wissa |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 45 | 39 |
| Minutes Played | 3,258 | 3,079 |
| Goals | 21 | 20 |
| Assists | 6 | 5 |
| Shots on Target % | 61% | 62.32% |
| Big Chances Created | 7 | 3 |
| Take-on Success % | 52.53% | 38.5% |
| Average Match Rating | 7.15 | 7.00 |
While their output appears similar at first glance, Šeško’s superior chance creation, dribbling success, and physical dominance (winning 58% of aerial duels compared to Wissa’s 42%) make him better suited to Newcastle’s system. His 6’4″ frame combined with technical refinement allows him to function as both a target man and mobile forward – versatility that would give Howe multiple tactical options.
The Haaland Comparisons Explained
Scouting experts have noted striking parallels between Šeško’s development trajectory and Manchester City’s Nordic goal machine:
- Powerful Running Style: Like Haaland, Šeško builds frightening acceleration over short distances, often bulldozing through defensive lines
- Clinical Finishing: His 61% shots on target ratio demonstrates elite-level composure in the penalty area
- Aerial Dominance: Wins 3.2 aerial duels per 90 minutes, offering Newcastle a different dimension in attack
- Age Curve Potential: At 22, his best years remain ahead, unlike Wissa who approaches his peak’s twilight
RB Leipzig’s decision to lower their asking price from €100 million to €70 million creates a golden opportunity. This adjustment reflects both the current market climate and the player’s desire for a new challenge after two productive Bundesliga seasons.
For context, Chelsea paid £32 million for Nicolas Jackson at a similar age last summer – Šeško’s superior pedigree justifies the premium.
Tactical Fit at St James’ Park
Šeško’s skill set would seamlessly integrate into Howe’s preferred 4-3-3 system:
- Pressing From the Front: His 19.3 pressures per 90 minutes exceed Isak’s 16.7, crucial for Howe’s high-intensity approach
- Link-Up Play: Completes 72% of passes into the final third, facilitating combination play with Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali
- Box Presence: Scores 68% of goals from inside the penalty area, addressing Newcastle’s crossing efficiency struggles
The Slovenian’s arrival could also ease the creative burden on Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, allowing them to focus on stretching defenses rather than constantly cutting inside to compensate for Wilson’s declining mobility last season.
Long-Term Project Benefits
Signing Šeško aligns perfectly with Newcastle’s sustainable growth model:
- Resale Value: Even modest progression could see his value eclipse £100 million within three years
- Homegrown Quota: Will qualify as homegrown after 2026, providing squad flexibility
- Commercial Appeal: His highlight-reel style and “next Haaland” narrative boost global marketability
With Isak potentially departing for Liverpool, securing Šeško would represent both succession planning and statement of intent. The alternative – scrambling for stopgap solutions after the season begins – risks undoing years of careful squad building.
As Newcastle’s hierarchy weighs this critical decision, one truth becomes increasingly clear: in Benjamin Šeško, they have the chance to secure not just a temporary fix, but a cornerstone for their next evolution.
The coming days will reveal whether they seize this opportunity or let it slip through their fingers like so many others this turbulent summer.