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Newcastle United are considering a potential move for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko amid growing uncertainty around Alexander Isak's future at the club. Isak did not join the Magpies on their pre-season tour of Asia, with the official reason being a minor thigh injury. However, speculation continues to rise as Liverpool express interest in the Swedish forward.
Sesko had previously been linked with a move to Arsenal, though the Gunners have since turned their attention to Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres. Other Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea have also shown interest in the Slovenian striker earlier in the transfer window.
The 22-year-old Sesko, who netted 13 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, remains on Newcastle's radar. The club is only expected to pursue him if Isak leaves. Isak, 25, enjoyed an impressive campaign last season with 27 goals in 42 matches across all competitions, and his departure would create a significant gap in Newcastle's attacking lineup.
Veteran striker Callum Wilson has already left the club on a free transfer earlier this month, and the only other senior striker available to manager Eddie Howe is 21-year-old Will Osula, who managed just two goals in 19 appearances last season. The club's limited forward options have increased the urgency to bolster the squad.
Team morale could also be impacted by Isak's exit. Defender Dan Burn noted that losing a player at this stage could disrupt what he described as a close-knit group. Club captain Bruno Guimaraes echoed those sentiments, saying the team hopes to retain its top talents. He praised Isak's contributions and added that, based on what he knows, the striker stayed behind solely for injury treatment.
Despite qualifying for the Champions League and preparing for a demanding 2025–26 season, Newcastle have been relatively quiet in the transfer market. They missed out on several key targets, with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap joining Chelsea and Hugo Ekitike opting to sign for Liverpool.
Their only new signing so far is forward Anthony Elanga, who arrived from Nottingham Forest in a £55 million deal. Newcastle remain interested in Brentford's Yoane Wissa, and his recent departure from Brentford's pre-season camp in Portugal suggests a move could still happen, regardless of whether Isak stays.
