The specter of Alexander Isak’s potential departure has forced Newcastle United into contingency planning, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško emerging as the leading candidate to fill what would be enormous shoes at St James’ Park.
While Magpies supporters understandably dread the prospect of losing their Swedish talisman, the club’s recruitment team has identified the 22-year-old Slovenian as the ideal long-term successor – a player Eddie Howe first targeted back in 2022 during his Bournemouth tenure.
Sources close to RB Leipzig describe the chances of Šeško remaining in Germany as “slender,” though notably more plausible than earlier in the window.
This shifting dynamic reflects the complex chess game of elite striker transfers, where Arsenal’s acquisition of Viktor Gyökeres and Chelsea’s double swoop for Liam Delap and João Pedro have altered the landscape.
Manchester United’s interest persists but lacks Champions League appeal, potentially leaving Newcastle as the most attractive Premier League destination should they need to replace Isak.
Šeško’s camp has anticipated a summer move throughout the offseason, with England viewed as the probable destination.
The 6’5″ forward’s combination of physical dominance and technical refinement makes him uniquely suited to Newcastle’s system, while his age profile (22) and 14-goal Bundesliga debut season suggest room for growth that could eventually mirror Isak’s development trajectory.
However, the Slovenian international’s patience indicates he won’t force a move unless the right project materializes – a stance that puts pressure on Newcastle to present a compelling vision beyond mere financial terms.
The economics of any potential deal remain challenging. While Šeško’s €50 million release clause (active in 2025) doesn’t currently apply, RB Leipzig’s asking price likely starts around £60-65 million – a significant outlay that would still leave Newcastle with substantial funds from a theoretical Isak sale to address other squad needs.
The club’s ability to offer Champions League football provides an edge over Manchester United, though recent history shows this advantage isn’t absolute, as evidenced by Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo opting for Old Trafford despite its absence.
Complicating matters further, Šeško reportedly views another season at Leipzig as an acceptable fallback option. This leverage gives him power to be selective about his next move, meaning Newcastle must convince him their project represents the ideal next step rather than a consolation prize after Isak’s exit.
The club’s recent track record of developing young attackers like Isak himself and Anthony Gordon could prove persuasive, as could Howe’s reputation for improving forwards.
For Newcastle’s hierarchy, the Šeško pursuit represents a delicate balancing act. Moving too aggressively risks telegraphing resignation about keeping Isak, while hesitation could see their preferred replacement slip away.
Much depends on Isak’s situation resolving quickly – if Liverpool formalize their interest with a £120m+ bid, Newcastle must decide whether to reinvest immediately or explore short-term alternatives.
What’s clear is that Šeško represents more than just a contingency plan. His blend of aerial dominance, intelligent movement, and improving finishing mirrors many of Isak’s qualities while offering additional physicality.
In a summer where elite striker options are scarce, the Slovenian may represent Newcastle’s best chance at a like-for-like replacement should their worst-case scenario materialize.
The coming weeks will reveal whether this remains an academic discussion or becomes a pressing necessity for the Magpies’ recruitment team.
