Alexander Isak has announced his intentions to explore his options away from Newcastle United this summer.
The news has come as a huge surprise to many, despite the news that he is not on the plane to Singapore ahead of their tour of Asia.
Alexander Isak was missing from Newcastle United’s loss to Celtic last weekend, with Eddie Howe confirming it was his call to keep him away from the ground.
Howe was confident that Isak will be a Newcastle player next season, but the latest news has thrown his claims out the window. Isak has announced his intentions to explore his options away from Newcastle this summer, and Liverpool are still very interested.
Liverpool made an informal approach for Isak earlier this month, but were met with the same message which has circulated for months: he is not for sale.
However, if he is to leave, Newcastle need to find his replacement. They should look no further than a player they have been linked with for the last three years.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Newcastle United must replace Alexander Isak with Benjamin Sesko
Newcastle are linked with a move for Yoane Wissa, but it now looks like they will have to look for a top-quality striker to replace Isak.
The Magpies should look no further than RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. The 22-year-old has set the Bundesliga alight over the last two seasons, scoring 27 goals in 64 appearances. Newcastle have previously been linked with Sesko, and looked like one of the favourites to sign him in 2022 before completing his move to Germany.
While Wissa would be a great addition to Newcastle’s first-team squad, the club will surely be eager to sign a young and exciting forward who can lead the line for many years to come. Sesko could be the player who could answer Newcastle’s prayers if Isak goes, and they would still have a lot of money left for other replacements if the Swede goes for over £150m.
Newcastle see Sesko as an alternative to Hugo Ekitike, who was officially confirmed as a Liverpool player earlier this week, but no formal approach has been made.
- READ MORE – How long Alexander Isak has left on Newcastle United contract after new deal is rejected
Benjamin Sesko recently had his asking price slashed by RB Leipzig
Newcastle want to improve multiple positions this summer, and selling Isak would give them a handy transfer kitty, which gives them the chance to improve.
However, the Magpies will be very reluctant to sell Isak, even if a bid worth around £120million comes in.
Newcastle will want to sign the right replacement, but only if they can get the right price. Thankfully, it looks as if Sesko will be an affordable option if the Isak money does come in.
According to BILD, Sesko’s asking price was recently slashed to less than €70million (£60.7million), much lower than their initial €100million valuation earlier this summer.
The fee would make Sesko Newcastle’s second most expensive player, overtaking the likes of Anthony Elanga and Sandro Tonali’s deals.
Newcastle must get these deals ready in the event that Isak goes so they are fully prepared for busy 2025/26 season.
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