Newcastle United could turn their attention to Benjamin Sesko after falling short in the race to sign Hugo Ekitike.
After initially eyeing a club record deal, Newcastle have ended their Ekitike interest. He is heading to Liverpool, which means that Alexander Isak will stay at St James’ Park.
As Eddie Howe looks for an alternative striker, it has been reported that Newcastle could target Benjamin Sesko. He is the type of player that Toon fans would love to see join the club, as was the case when Ekitike was the priority.
However, Newcastle are interested in Yoane Wissa too.
While Sesko would be a bigger name to arrive, Geordie Boot Boys explore four reasons why Wissa is the striker who Newcastle United should prioritise.
Yoane Wissa is more versatile
When Newcastle were targeting Ekitike, it was made clear that Howe wanted to play him and Isak together. That either would have meant Newcastle switching formation to accommodate two strikers, or Ekitike playing out wide.
That flexibility was appealing, and it is the same type of flexibility Newcastle will have if Wissa arrives. In contrast, Sesko is an out-and-out striker.
If the Slovenia international joins, he is playing through the middle. That means Newcastle would change their shape or Isak would play out wide, and it is difficult to envisage the 25-year-old being interested in that prospect.
Yoane Wissa will cost Newcastle United less money than Benjamin Sesko
Newcastle United have proven they have money to spend. Their transfer record is £63million, but Ekitike was going to cost more than that. He almost became Newcastle’s most expensive signing, proving that the Magpies do have the capacity to spend that much.
It would probably take a record-breaking deal to get Sesko too. Sky Sports reported earlier this summer that RB Leipzig want around £70million for the 22-year-old, which is what Newcastle offered for Ekitike.
But just because Newcastle have the money to spend, does not necessarily mean they have to. Newcastle can get Wissa for £50million, while there would be hope of negotiating a lower price with Brentford.
If Newcastle could do that and sign Wissa, it would mean they have more money to spend elsewhere. They are also aiming to sign a centre-back and a goalkeeper.
Benjamin Sesko has no Premier League experience
Eddie Howe is a sucker for Premier League experience. If he buys a player who knows the Premier League, it means they can have an impact much quicker. That is why Newcastle splashed out on Anthony Elanga following his heroics for Nottingham Forest.
Wissa would represent a similar acquisition, on the back of scoring 19 Premier League goals last season. For context, Isak scored 23 Premier League goals.
When it comes to Wissa, he has always been a reliable scorer in the Premier League. Across his four seasons with Brentford, he has netted 45 goals in 137 league appearances.
In contrast, Sesko would need time to settle into life as a Premier League footballer. While he would no doubt hit his stride, Wissa could have an instant impact in black and white.
Newcastle United can stick with 4-3-3 if Yoane Wissa arrives
If Newcastle spend £70million on Sesko, he is starting every week. It would have been the same if Ekitike had arrived for similar money.
It also would have meant Newcastle likely changing their system from the 4-3-3 shape that has served them so well under Eddie Howe.
However, Newcastle do not need to change things as much if Wissa arrives. Sure, he can play in a front two alongside Isak. But he can also be the Isak understudy that Newcastle United need.
He is going to be much more receptive to a backup role, while he will not be short of minutes on the pitch given the volume of games that Newcastle United have to play. That includes at least eight Champions League matches, which is a competition Wissa has never featured in.
While Sesko is the bigger name with the higher ceiling, Wissa is the better fit for Newcastle United.
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