There’s only one better replacement Newcastle can sign after Isak decision, his price just got slashed
The winds of change are blowing through St James’ Park as Alexander Isak’s shock announcement about exploring options away from Newcastle United sends shockwaves through the club’s summer plans.
Despite Eddie Howe’s previous assurances about the Swedish striker’s future, Isak’s absence from the Asia tour squad and subsequent revelation have forced Newcastle’s hierarchy into urgent contingency planning.
With Liverpool maintaining strong interest in the 24-year-old forward – having already made informal approaches this summer – Newcastle must now identify a worthy successor should their talismanic number 14 depart.
The answer may lie in a long-term target who suddenly became significantly more attainable. Benjamin Sesko, RB Leipzig’s towering Slovenian striker, has seen his valuation dramatically reduced to just £60.7 million (€70 million) according to German publication BILD – a £30 million discount from earlier summer quotes.
Why Sesko Represents the Perfect Isak Heir
At just 22 years old, Sesko offers the ideal blend of present ability and future potential to fill Isak’s considerable shoes:
- Proven Bundesliga Pedigree: 27 goals in 64 appearances for Leipzig demonstrates consistent top-flight production
- Physical Prototype: Standing 6’4″ with deceptive pace, he mirrors Isak’s rare athletic profile
- Development Trajectory: Has shown year-on-year improvement since arriving from Salzburg in 2022
- Financial Flexibility: £60m fee would leave substantial funds from a potential £120m+ Isak sale for other reinforcements
The Slovenian international’s skill set aligns perfectly with Eddie Howe’s tactical demands. Like Isak, Sesko combines aerial dominance with technical sophistication – comfortable linking play, running channels, and finishing clinically with both feet.
His 14 league goals last season came at a rate of one every 128 minutes, outperforming his expected goals (xG) by 2.7 – a marker of elite finishing ability.
Market Dynamics Play Into Newcastle’s Hands
Leipzig’s surprising decision to slash Sesko’s asking price creates a golden opportunity. Several factors likely contributed to this development:
- Emergence of Loïs Openda as Leipzig’s undisputed first-choice striker
- Financial Fair Play considerations requiring Bundesliga clubs to balance books
- Sesko’s expressed desire for a new challenge after two productive seasons
Newcastle’s prior relationship with the player’s camp – having seriously pursued him in 2022 before his Germany move – could prove advantageous in negotiations.
The club’s recruitment team, led by Dan Ashworth’s successor, has maintained dialogue with Sesko’s representatives over the intervening years.
While Yoane Wissa remains an option for attacking depth, Sesko represents the caliber of marquee signing required to soften the blow of Isak’s potential departure. The financial arithmetic makes compelling reading:
- Potential Isak sale: £120m+
- Sesko acquisition: £60m
- Remaining funds: £60m+ for other priorities (right winger, center-back)
This scenario would allow Newcastle to emerge stronger overall from what initially appears a crisis. The club’s recent £37m signing of Odysseas Vlachodimos demonstrates their ability to act decisively when opportunities arise.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
Losing Isak would undoubtedly represent a setback for Newcastle’s ambitions, but securing Sesko would provide:
- A decade-long solution at center-forward
- Maintained goal threat for Champions League qualification pushes
- Financial resources to address other squad weaknesses
- Continued appeal to elite young talents as a development destination
As the Isak saga develops, Newcastle’s recruitment team must walk a tightrope – preparing thoroughly for his potential exit while publicly maintaining their stance that he’s not for sale.
One thing is certain: if the Swedish striker does depart, Benjamin Sesko represents the most compelling replacement available in today’s market, especially at his newly reduced valuation.
The coming weeks will test Newcastle’s resolve and strategic planning like never before in their new era of ambition.